Families Central Scotland Jan-Feb 2013

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Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12

Issue 14 Jan/Feb 2013

In This Issue

• Fabulous local party feature • New Year new you • Out and about guide

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Is your next local Jack & Jill Market on this weekend?

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WIN £100 towards kids party at Springkerse Play Zone

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FREE family photography and photo at Lighthouse Studios

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contents Local news and views..................................................................................4-5 Central Scotland’s

really useful magazine

for busy families of

children age 0-12

FREE Issue 14 Jan/Feb 2013

Happy new year ! Welcome to the January/February issue of Families Central Scotland. In this issue we have our BIG birthday party feature, what will you do this year? – lots of ideas and top tips here!! We have a New year new you feature with ideas for a healthy and happy 2013, and a great article on encouraging your child to read. As always you will find our popular parent to parent interview and the essential out and about guide to local events. We hope you enjoy this issue and wish you a happy 2013!

New year, new you........................................................................................6-7

In This Issue

• Fabulous local party feature • New Year new you • Out and about guide

version2_Layout

1 28/11/2012 10:16 Page 1

FREE

Is your next local Jack & Jill Market on this weekend?

DELIVERY!

www.jackandjillm

Birthday party feature...............................................................................8-11

FREE

DELIVERY!

arket.co.uk

Scotland’s Quality Nearly-New Baby & Children’s Market

WIN £100 towards kids party at Springkerse Play Zone www.familiescentralscotland.co .uk FREE

DELIVERY!

FREE family photography and photo at Lighthouse Studios

editor@familiescentralscotland .co.uk FREE

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079302 64979

Fiona & Louise In this issue • Win £100 towards kids birthday party Springkerse View Play Zone, Stirling • Free taster session Baby Sensory • Birthday child goes free at Play Pots • Free family photography and £80 print Lighthouse Studios, Stirling

contact us editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk 079302 64979 Visit our website www.familiescentralscotland. co.uk where you will find more articles and our local directory. Follow us on www.facebook.com/FamCS and twitter.com/ FamiliesCentral Bookings are now being taken for the March/April issue – deadline for all ads and editorial 1st February

Parent to parent............................................................................................... 12 Encouraging you child to read................................................................. 13

the editors page 5 page 8 page 9 page 12

Out and about...........................................................................................14-15 Circulation 12 000 copies delivered directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes and schools.

Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design – Gillian Lamb of Lamb Designs Printers – J Thomson Colour Printers

Families Central Scotland is part of a larger group of magazines headed

by Families SW London who are celebrating 20 years of publishing. All Franchised magazines are operated under licence. 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 are sent at the owners own risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Enabling excellence At Beaconhurst School we offer scholarships which enable your gifted child to achieve their true potential.

From academic performance to music, art and sports, scholarship awards of up to 50% of fees are available now for S1, S3 & S5.Call today for more information.

Scholarship Week January 21st – 25th

Inspiring learning, buildingTel. character and shaping futures 01786 832146 www.beaconhurst.com 2

The UK’s first rugby specific play programme for young children Rugbytots® is a weekly play session for children between the ages of two and seven.

Separated into three age groups, Rugbytots® combines the multiple skills used in rugby with a fun, energetic and structured play programme designed to enhance your child’s social and physical skills.

Whether the next step for your child is mini-rugby or ballet, Rugbytots® aims to provide the foundations which will enable them to progress with confidence.

All Rugbytots® classes are fully insured and will be run by an RFU qualified lead coach who is trained in paediatric first aid and has been CRB checked.

For further information please call

0845 313 3252

kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk • www.rugbytots.co.uk

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NCT Central Scotland

Wear a hat on 28th March Join the fun on Thursday March 28th 2013 and help fund the fight against brain tumours.

‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer. It’s a day every year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can. Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”. To get involved or find out more register your interest today sarah@braintumourresearch.org or visit our website www.braintumourresearch.org

Support Fair Trade 2013 will be the 10th anniversary of the founding of Fair Trade Stirling, and we’re celebrating with a year of special events to raise money for a special project: to provide a hand tractor which will revolutionise farming for one family in

Lecropt Nursery • Easy drop off and pick up point • Located near local train station and bus stops nearby • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Child centred care • Large outdoor secure play area • Healthy snacks provided • Full & Part Time Places • Professional & Experienced Early Years Practitioners • Member of NDNA • Established 2003 • Mon Fri 8 am. 6 pm • work in partnership with the local authority

Tel 01786 834596 www.lecropt-nursery.co.uk

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NCT Central Scotland Branch is celebrating the achievements of 10 local mums who’ve trained as NCT breastfeeding peer supporters. NCT peer support training offers local mums the skills to support other mums who have had difficulties sustaining breastfeeding. Breastfeeding can be an enjoyable experience, but it can sometimes be challenging - particularly in the early days and many mums are often taken by surprise if they run into difficulties. Around three quarters of mums in the UK start to breastfeed their babies, but most do not continue for as long as they would like. Tracey Cunningham & Sarah Sangster (Baby Café Stirling & NCT Central Scotland) said: “We’re really proud of all our newly qualified breastfeeding peer supporters, who can go out now and support even more mums.”

The 2013 NCT Bumps and Babies Group starts on 14th January 930-1130am at the Mayfield Centre, Stirling. This will be a free group for pregnant mums and people with babies and toddlers visit the NCT Central Scotland website or call 0844 243 6079 for details.

eBooks come to Falkirk Library Falkirk Community Trust Libraries’ Library on Demand now gives 24hr access to hundreds of eBooks: fiction, non-fiction, and children’s. There is a wide range of offerings from crime to biographies, Lee Child to Jacqueline Wilson, so there will be something for all readers. What’s even better is there is no chance of any charges at all as the eBooks are automatically deleted from the device once the loan period ends so there’s no need to worry about remembering any dates.

They will soon be launching a range of digital magazines which can be downloaded onto digital devices for free! The growing range includes Cosmopolitan, GQ, Hello!, NME, New Scientist, F1 and Good Food. Again, there are no fines as the magazines will stay on the device until they are deleted. All you need to get started is a library card – don’t worry if you’re not a member you can sign up, free of charge, at your local library.

Find out where your nearest branch is, and how to join, by checking online at www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/libraries Malawi. Get your thinking caps on for our first event of this special year, our quiz night on Saturday 19th January in the Rowing Club, Riverside, Stirling.

The event will start at 7:30, and entry is £3.50 per person. A bar and raffle will also be available, get tickets at the Christian Bookshop on Barnton Street, otherwise available at the door.

Old Doune Road Nursery • Easy drop off and pick up point • Located near local train station and bus stops nearby • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Child centred care • Large outdoor secure play area • Healthy snacks provided • Full & Part Time Places • Professional & Experienced Early Years Practitioners • Member of NDNA • Established 2006 • Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • work in partnership with the local authority

Tel: 01786 822854 www.olddouneroadnursery.co.uk 4A Old Doune Road. Dunblane, FKI5 9AG

families central scotland / issue 14

Fair Trade fortnight is 25th February – 10 March this year, visit our website to see what’s on and how you can get involved www.fairtradestirling.org Help support Fair Trade, a fair price gives producers access to clean water, food for their family, education and healthcare - all the things they need for a better and more stable future.

Bridge of Allan OSC After school care dedicated to Bridge of Allan Primary Provided on school premises Term Time - Mon to Fri, 3.15 till 6.00 pm • • • •

Enjoy healthy snacks A place for children to relax Or simply just have fun Service provider also owns the wellestablished Lecropt Nursery

For further details please contact Lorna Jack Mob: 07812997850 Email: manager@bofa-outofschool.co.uk

Big garden birdwatch Helping garden wildlife is fun - and it couldn’t be easier. Over the weekend of 26-27 January 2013, we’d love you, your friends and family, to get involved in Big Garden Birdwatch - the world’s largest wildlife survey!

As an activity that started life as something for our youth membership to do in winter, Big Garden Birdwatch has grown into fun for all the family.

All you need to do is count the birds in your garden or a local park for one hour then tell us what you see. If you’re not too sure what bird you’ve seen, try our easy to use bird identifier on our website.

If you are a teacher or a youth leader get your whole class or group to take part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch taking place in the two weeks from 21 January-1 February, you can do your birdwatch in any hour within those

Holidays in 2013

FREE BREAKFAST

weeks. We also have specially designed resources for younger children – Little Schools’ Birdwatch(under 5s) and Really Big Schools’ Birdwatch(11-14year olds) – something for everyone!

If, like us, you love wildlife and want to do something to help, this is your chance to get involved in something that really counts. Visit our website www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch and find out more!

FOR KIDS All you can eat & drink Adults £8.25 Weekdays 6.30am - 10.30am

New parent andWeekends toddler group - Cadgers Brae 7am - 11am Brewers Fayre, Polmont Do you have children under 5 years old? Then why not come along toCadger’s our new parent and toddler mornings Brae where you can meet up with friends and have a coffee Beancross Rd, Polmont while the kids have fun! Running twice a week from 0YS can play in the fun 9.30-11.30, forFalkirk a cost of FK2 £2 children factory soft play.

For01324 £4.50, mums and dads can have a Tel: 720726 coffee and cake as well as your child’s entry to the soft play. During the morning there will be a story and a *Two kids aged 15 or under eat free only when one adult purchases an £8.25 snack for the children. breakfast meal. For full terms and conditions see in store.

Why not meet up with friends and come and have breakfast. For only £8.25, adults can enjoy a full Scottish breakfast and not only will the kids eat free, this includes entry to the fun factory soft play. For £5.25 adults can enjoy a continental breakfast and kids eat free and get entry to the fun factory soft BFLMS182GT.indd 1 11/12/2012 play.

Phone 01324 720726 for more details or visit www.brewersfayre.co.uk/brewersfayre/kids

Closing date for competition is 28th February 2013

Looking for a great family holiday this year.

Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters, getting that framework right is the backbone of every holiday. Here are 2 very different family friendly holidays for you to have a look at for this year

Holidaying in the Alps

The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hardpressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock-climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it).

Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for-instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at www. chillypowder.com

Holidaying in North Devon

Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday 09:44 destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hard-pressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer.

More information at www.libbearbarton. co.uk You can fly from Edinburgh to Exeter if you don’t fancy the road trip down to Devon, Check out FlyBe www.flybe.com

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New Year New You

New year new you

J

anuary means a fresh start – so seize the opportunity to take up a new sport or develop an old favourite, keep your brain active and your mind healthy, get that eye check up you’ve been putting off and watch the pennies. We’ve asked some of our fantastic local businesses for some advice on how to kick start 2013 and keep up the good work throughout the year!

Make those new year resolutions stick - by Brains respond to exercise too……… letting your children show you the way… At the start of a new year many of us focus on There are plenty of sporting opportunities for all the family at the University of Stirling Sports Centre.

From a game of tennis to a splash in Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence the pool or a round of golf on the ninehole par three course, sport at Stirling is very much a family affair.

Memberships provide access to the swimming pool and gym as well as to a wide range of fitness and health classes. Mums and mum’s-to-be can stay in shape at one of our brand new antenatal and postnatal exercise classes which start in February. Competitive dads can hire a pitch for a game of football with their friends and everyone can hop on their bike in one of our indoor cycling fitness classes. And the in-house Clive Ramsay café ensures you can recharge the batteries and relax with a coffee and a bite to eat.

It’s not just the prices, or the wide range of activities which makes the University an excellent environment to enjoy sport; it’s the people. Our staff know their stuff and will make sure the whole family have an unforgettable experience. University of Stirling, University Sports Centre - For more information call 01786 466900 www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

Resolve to look after your eye health in 2013 Most people enter a new year with the same good intentions; lose weight, give up smoking, be more active.

These are all great for the health of you and your family, so why should resolutions regarding your eyesight be any different?

Regular eye examinations are quick, easy, free for everyone in Scotland, and could mean potentially harmful conditions are detected and corrected before they cause damage. They can even help your children to get ahead at school.

So when you’re making those resolutions at the start of 2013, don’t forget to include booking eye examinations for you and your family.

At Ochil Eyes in Clackmannanshire, we specialise in family eye health and can arrange to test the whole family together.

For more information, call our friendly team on 01259 752 755. Ochil Eyes, 105 High Street, Tillicoultry

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families central scotland / issue 14

improving our health through exercise but keeping brains active and healthy is even more important.

This is especially so for people who struggle with reading and language skills and, here in Stirling, the innovative Cellfield treatment is available to help. A unique treatment based on the science of brain plasticity, during just 2 weeks of treatment, Cellfield develops and strengthens the part of the brain used by good readers. This makes reading easier and increases fluency and comprehension.

Fiona Macdiarmid, who has been treating clients for nearly four years at the Stirling Cellfield centre, continues to be amazed by the results she sees. “In my 30 years in education, I have not seen anything else which makes such a significant difference in such a short time,”she says, “on average, our clients gain over two years in their reading age, after just 10 days of treatment.”

Cellfield Reading Matters (Scotland) Ltd, Unit 4 Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF call 01786 447527 or email info@cellfieldscotland.com

A healthy mind and body Siobhan Hencher is a busy mum to 6 children, she also runs YogaBellies classes, Kids gymnastics classes, Reiki Sessions & courses & also a Meditation and Healing Group - phew!!!!

YogaBellies offers a range of pregnancy yoga & postnatal mum and baby yoga classes. Pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood are some of the most important times in a woman’s life and yoga and relaxation can help to make these experiences positive, peaceful and calm. Yoga helps mums maintain a healthy body and a healthy mind www. yogabellies.co.uk YogaBellies classes are at the Dunblane Centre, go along meet other mums/mums to be, have fun and get that healthy mind and body in 2013.

For primary aged kids Siobhan runs gymnastics classes in the Dunblane Centre, Monday and in Bridge of Allan Primary, Tuesday. At the Yoga Tree in the Stirling Arcade she runs a Meditation and Healing Group and Reiki Sessions & courses. Call Siobhan on 07747800801 for more information on any of her classes or see www.siobhanhencher.com

A new year budget – a new you!

New Year New You

It’s 2013 and the year of The Smart Money Mum. Here are a few New Year tips to help you Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save.

1. Take a note Make a resolution to always ask for a receipt and to write down everything you spend, detailing all of your spending allows you to look back at the end of each month and see where the money went, a crucial first step if you want to work out where to make savings – you might be surprised at how much money was wasted!

2. Book now - If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip abroad in the summer, book as far ahead as you can for up to 70% flight and rail savings. And, to ease the pocket-money blow when you get there, start a family savings jar now just for holiday spending. 30 weeks until your holiday, at £10 per week that’s £300 in the jar.

3. Woolly savings - The ever-climbing price of fuel means it could be cheaper to buy good quality 100% wool thermals which trap a layer of heat to the body, allowing you to turn your radiators down now and completely off my mid-march, late Arctic blasts permitting.

4. Lose weight - If slimming is on your list of New Years’ Resolutions, then it could come with a cash bonus. Spending just £5 a day on lunch while at work, or out and about, adds up to a whopping £1715 per working year. Make your own sandwiches for pennies, guaranteeing a healthy choice and big savings on readymade sandwiches full of mayonnaise that sell for £3 or more.

5. Stop smoking - The ultimate New Year’s resolution is also the biggest money saver. At £7 a pack, quitting a 20-a-day habit will put an amazing £4000 back in your pocket over the course of 2012.

6. Plan ahead - How often do you get to the weekends with nothing scheduled and end up spending far too much on pricey days out with hard-to-please youngsters? Set aside time during the week to browse what’s-on listings and find plenty of fab FREE events.

Pack a lunch and you could be enjoying family days out during the year for virtually nothing!

7. Clear out & cash in - Recent research suggests that families can have up to £1000 worth of useable but unused items sitting in their cupboards. Don’t leave that money sitting there gathering dust. Sell them either online or at nearly-new markets and release the cash locked up in them to reinvest in what your family now need.

8. Save on nearly-new prices - You can save up to 90% off the retail price by buying nearly-new – and it’s great for the environment! Many items for sale on the nearly-new market are in excellent condition and often barely used. You can save a fortune on family items by shopping at quality nearly-new markets. Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save!

Wishing you a Super-Saver Year.

Nicole Diamond is founder of The Jack & Jill Market, Scotland’s quality nearly-new baby & kids market where Smart Mums Sell and Save. www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years.

We have pre-school grant funded places available and have been graded Excellent & Very Good by SCSWIS in our recent report; the Nursery is set in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate on the outskirts of Dunblane with ample car parking.

• Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm • All meals included home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff.

For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

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the Do’s & Don’ts of parties

The Do’s and Don’ts of birthday parties

by Sarah Butters

DO plan early

If you think you can book your first choice entertainer and venue a fortnight before your child’s party, think again. The best people and places are fully booked months in advance.

DO consider a joint party

Instead or entering into a ‘Who can get the invite out first’ race with other parents, join forces and funds. If your child has a friend whose birthday falls around the same time, why not organise a party together. If you’re going to invite the same group of friends and even opt for the same sort of party, this is a great option that halves the cost and the stress. Make sure you and your party partner are clear about the planning and the expectations.

DON’T let your child decide the guest list

If you let your little one take charge of who they’re inviting, they’ll leave out the friend they’ve been friends with all year round and then fallen out with in the playground the week before. Up to the age of 7, it’s best to stick to either a full class party or one where you simply invite all the girls, or all the boys. Tempting as it is to leave out the class troublemaker or the

girl who leaves your daughter out, this is an approach that will only cause future heartache. A party invite not sent, is a party invite not received.

DON’T be afraid to chase late replies

There are few things more Picture courtesy of Sublime Events Scotland. irritating than chasing the parents who haven’t sandwiches. Stick to the tried and tested bothered to respond to a party invite. trio of party favourites – ham, jam and Experience has taught me that parents cheese. Throw in a selection of crisps and who don’t respond within the first few a couple of bowls of grapes, cucumber days of an invite either haven’t received sticks and tomatoes. it, or have forgotten. Give yourself a helping hand by putting an RSVP date on the invite. After that, don’t be afraid to It’s heartbreaking to receive a steady ‘remind’ via text or over a pick up time stream of ‘nos’ after you’ve spent weeks chat in the playground. For those replies securing an entertainer and a venue on a that never arrive, and there will be some, particular date. Give yourself half a chance head to your party venue armed with by avoiding key dates, like Mothers’ Day or some extra food and a few unmarked religious holidays such as Easter Saturday. party bags. Don’t let the unexpected Parents tend to jet off on holiday as soon guests catch you out! as school’s out, or just before term begins again so avoid weekends at either end of the school holidays.

In a group of 20 children, chances are there will be some allergies, and some children who can’t eat certain food for religious reasons. Don’t presume parents This is a mistake you’ll only make once. 30 will inform you. Ask about allergies when children and 30 parents will fill even the you know who is coming along. most generous village hall. Add a bouncy castle and some uninvited siblings and you are nearly on riot watch. Siblings can You are feeding a group of children not dramatically increase numbers and can an army of starving soldiers. Appetites create problems with party food, party shrink as excitement builds so there is bags and space. Try to subtly ask parents no need to provide a smorgasbord of if they

DO consider your party date

DO check for allergies

DON’T invite too many children

DON’T over cater

intend to bring siblings so you are not caught out on the day. Aileen from Jo Jingles says “Choose an appropriate size of hall/ room for your party - too big and the children just want to run around; too small and everyone is cramped and grumpy!”

DO think about numbers

For young children you can tend to invite more, soft play venues such as Cadgers Brae or Springkerse Play Zone are great for the young ones, whilst for school age children especially beyond p3/4, its fine to be selective. Parties tend to become more expensive as children get older so why not think about taking a few children to make their own creation at Play Pots in Stirling, make their own music at Planet Keys or ice skating at The Peak. For a more energetic party and to keep your more active kids happy, Enjoy- a- Ball will cater for up to 30 children. Rocking Rascals provide a tailor made party full of dance and games for up to 25 children. If you want a musical party then why not have Jo Jingles, something that both children and adults will enjoy. To make your baby’s first birthday really special have a Baby Sensory party full of lights, sound and fun. Toddler Sense have parties for children age 2-5, full of fun and games to keep your children entertained. Look out for Sublime Events Scotland, the company that will provide a totally unique party tailored to your child’s wishes.

DON’T obsess over 5 a day

There are certain things you can depend on. If you’re having a party in your garden, it will rain. If you’ve made 15 party bags, 17 children will turn up and ALL of your carefully cut cucumber, tomatoes and grapes will remain untouched on the table by the end of the party tea. Be honest.

You only put them out to make sure the Annabel Karmel Fan Club in the corner didn’t fall out with you. Remember that it’s one meal, on one day and if all the birthday

the Do’s & Don’ts of parties

boy eats is a handful of Hula Hoops, a Jam Sandwich and a pack of smarties then so what? You can force feed him broccoli for breakfast tomorrow.

DON’T make it too long

The length of your party is very much dependant on the age of your children. But there is one consistent rule. Make sure you put a finish time on your invites. Our party experts say one hour of entertainment is about as much as the average 2-4 year old can take, followed by half an hour for food and farewells. You can increase that to one and half hours entertainment followed by a half hour for food once children turn 5 years old.

DO party bags

Usually found in the back of your car a week after the party, just as the butter cream icing from the napkin wrapped cake is going rancid. But woe betide the mum who thinks she’s above a party bag. It’s a sure fire way to get your guests sobbing as they leave. Don’t fight it, simply be creative and accept that simplicity is the key. The Toy Hub in Dunblane have some fantastic ideas for party bags suitable for any budget and have a new service available where they make up themed party bags for you.

then the stress simply isn’t worth it.

When the balloons have burst and the cake is just crumbs, it’s those memories that will make you do it all again next year! Kirsteen and Bill from Toddler Sense say “don’t stress about it, just enjoy the party”

Sublime Celebrations!

Sublime Events Scotland offers a fresh approach to party planning. Whether it’s simply to provide party supplies, decorations, favours, party bags, candy buffet, cake or you want us to plan it all for you, we are more than happy to help.

M: 07449 068 230 E: anna@sublimeeventsscotland.co.uk www.sublimeeventsscotland.co.uk/balloons www.facebook.com/sublimeeventsscotland

DO enjoy it

There are times during the planning you will find this the most absurd piece of advice.

How on earth can you expect to enjoy it?

Anna from Sublime Events Scotland says “we can help take the stress out of your celebration and can be as involved as you like. Whether it’s simply to provide party supplies, balloons, décor or a candy buffet, or whether you want us to step in and plan it all for you.” So remember that this is one of those ‘gone too quickly’ milestones and if you don’t press the pause button and enjoy the sight of your child laughing with the entertainer or bouncing with his friends

Weekly fun, active play classes • develop social, emotional and communication skills.

• practice physical, creative and problem solving skills.

Classes in Larbert, Stirling, Falkirk.

New areas coming soon ...

Call now to register your interest

07814 448 239

e-mail: stirling@toddlersense.co.uk

www.babysensory.com

Bright ideas for parties

Bright ideas for parties W

hat to do for their next birthday? Parties come in all shapes and sizes, just like the demands of our children! We have asked some of our fantastic local party providers in Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire to tell us about what they offer taking the stress and mess out of your hands meaning that you can sit back and relax whilst your child has a day to remember! Whether it is music, dance, sports or creativity, there really is something for everyone out there.

Baby sensory

Looking for something extra special to celebrate that fabulous first birthday then come to Baby Sensory. With bubbles, lights, puppet shows, music, rainbows and much much more, let us help you throw the most fantastic party! Tailored to your exact requirements your party will be as individual as your baby. Baby Sensory are also able to provide a party for those special moments in your child’s first year whether this is a christening, naming ceremony, Christmas or a get together with your ante natal friends.

Contact Amy onAll stirling@babysensory.co.uk 07977490606 you can eat & drink or visit www.babysensory.com or www.facebook.com/ Adults £8.25 BabySensoryStirlingAndFalkirk

FREE BREAKFAST

FOR KIDS Weekdays 6.30am - 10.30am Weekends 7am - 11am

Cadgers Brae, Beancross Road, Polmont.

Jo Jingles

Another party to plan? Remove the stress and invite Jo Jingles along to your child’s birthday party.

Jo Jingles will plan the programme, bring all the equipment and run your party – you only need to think about the food and the party bags Don’t take our word for it, listen to our customers: Donna said: “Aileen did my daughter’s 3rd birthday party and got everyone joining in. You made life a lot easier on the day” and Kirsty said: “….there really is something for everyone....it was easy to just sit back and enjoy the party... Can’t recommend a Jo Jingles party enough”. Get in touch and find a package to suit you! For more information or to book a party call Aileen on 0141 416 0405 or email at jojinglesstirling@live.co.uk or visit www.jojingles.com/stirlingarea

Make your child’s day special with a party at Cadgers Brae Brewers Fayre. We have a Cadger’s Brae dedicated party host so you relax and Beancross Rd,can Polmont enjoy the party while we handle Falkirk FK2 0YS everything For a cost of £7.99 per child, the party will Tel: 01324 720726 be situated in the soft play area and as well as loads of fun*Two in kids theaged soft play willonly include 15 or underwe eat free when one adult purchases an £8.25 breakfast meal. For full terms and conditions see in store. party games, party bags, a special visit from Brewster Bear and a meal, drink and dessert. For parties of more than 8 children a birthday cake will be provided free of charge. Face painting can also be added for an additional cost. Phone 01324 720726 to BFLMS182GT.indd 1 11/12/2012 09:44 book. www.brewersfayre.co.uk/brewersfayre/kids Is there a secret pop star in your household? If so, why not come to PlanetKeys where we offer Enjoy- a-ball Parties – If your child is full of a recording beans then let them run off their energy experience to with an Enjoy-a-Ball party. Winners of the remember. Here at What’s on 4 Little Ones Best Kids Party PlanetKeys, we not Award 2010. Enjoy-a-ball parties are great only teach music fun for kids and hassle free for parents. Lots of fun and creative to enthusiastic games guaranteed to capture your child’s imagination. Invite up musicians, but have the recording to 30 kids for a one set cost. Our expertise in children’s sports facilities to help make you and your coaching, together with our fun-loving nature, makes us the ideal friends stars for the day. Why not celebrate party facilitator to make your child’s day happy, memorable and with one of our unique and fun Birthday Recording Parties. stress free for mums and dads. Suitable for boys and girls age We welcome groups of all ages and sizes. Everyone leaves 4-9. Call 08452 26 26 94 or Claire Beattie on 07793 545180 with their own track to show friends and family. Pricing starts (Stirling and Clacks areas) or Chris Allen 07912 946013(Falkirk from £25 per hour. Call us on 01786 448 417 for more info Areas) www.enjoy-a-ball.com www.planetkeys.co.uk

PlanetKeys

Enjoy a ball

Play Pots

Looking for a fun filled yet stress free party?

Then a Play Pots Party is the one for you! A birthday party at Play Pots is so much fun – the children create their very own painted masterpiece (which they take away that day) and burn off some steam in the soft play before sitting down to enjoy some tasty treats. Each party lasts 1 1/2 hours and we can cater for parties of 8 up to 30 children. Prices start from £11.50 per child (includes a party bag), with many different party packages available to choose from we can tailor the party to suit your needs and budget. Got a theme – no problem just let us know! We do all the hard work and the tidying up afterwards, so all you need to do is bring the cake then sit back, relax and enjoy a coffee in our cafe! 158 Drip Road, Stirling FK8 1RR 01786 471755 playpotsceramics@ hotmail.com www.playpotsceramics.co.uk

Rocking Rascals

Rocking Rascals deliver dazzling, fun-filled parties uniquely tailored for you. Our fully-trained team of

Bright ideas for parties

your party. The Play Zone, Springkerse Business Park, Stirling 01786 446092 springkerseview.stirling@belhavenpubs.net www.springkerseview.co.uk

Sublime Celebrations!

Sublime Events Scotland offers a fresh approach to event management and party planning, to give your event the Wow Factor! They can help take the stress out of your celebration and can be as involved as you like – from offering advice and themes to planning it all for you. Whether it’s simply to provide party supplies, balloons, décor, favours and party bags, or a candy buffet, they are more than happy to help. Their balloon decorations and accessories range from the simple and elegant to the downright astonishing. And their candy buffets offer a tempting array of sweet treats - a feast for the eyes and the sweet tooth!

These always go down well with guests and will add something a bit different to your party. Based in Stirling, they cater for children and adults so whether it’s a birthday, prom, wedding or christening, Sublime Events Scotland will make it magical. Phone Anna on 07449068230, email anna@sublimeeventsscotland. co.uk or visit www.sublimeeventsscotland.couk/balloons

The Toy Hub highly energetic and lively entertainers manage a whirlwind of games, party-tunes and dances, ensuring even the quietest children have the best of times. Our complete service includes invitations, colourful table settings, birthday buffet, premium party favours and engaging activities which sets us apart from the average children’s event.

The party begins with some cake decorating and tattoos and then we will groove away on the dance floor and play some fun games also. When we need a break we will move to the birthday buffet table and get our energy back for the big finale – the fashion parade. For more details, or to book your party, call Emma on 07818 687066 or email parties@rockingrascals.co.uk. www.rockingrascals.co.uk

Springkerse View Play Zone

Springkerse View Play Zone a great place for your Childs next Birthday Party, you can sit back and relax whilst we take care of the Party. The Play Zone is suitable for children aged 1-10. Parties can be tailored to individual needs. For £7.99 per child you get 2 hours of fun in the Play Zone, children’s party food, party bag, balloons, birthday cake and drinks for the kids. If you book a VIP party at £9.99 per child you will also get party games and facepainting. For a £50 supplement on a Saturday and Sunday morning you can have exclusive use of the Play Zone for

It’s Party Time!!!! Whether deciding on the perfect gift for the birthday boy/girl or needing advice on the must-have party bag fillers we can take the hassle out of Party Planning At Toy Hub we know what kids want and have a great selection of big brand toys, including Barbie, LEGO, Skylanders & Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at birthday present prices. If you simply can’t decide our Personalised Gift Vouchers are a great idea, available for any amount. We also have matching cards and gift wrap available to make sure you can pick everything up in one go! Our party bag service is perfect for busy parents with our great selection of goodie bags priced from £3 - £5. We take care of getting them ready so you can concentrate on arranging the party – simply collect them from us on a prearranged date and you’re good to go! Our online service is ideal to get birthday pressie ideas - at www.toyhubdirect.co.uk you can then choose to have present delivered straight to your door, or arrange to pick up your order with our Free Collect at Store Service!

Toddler sense

Toddler Sense parties are full of energy and excitement. Starting with free play in our air flow tunnels, on the jungle bouncy castle or maybe some soft play and followed by fast action packed activities. We have Rody hoppers, big bouncy balls, beach balls, dancing ribbons, action songs, giant air balls, pom poms and much much more..... If you want an extended party you can add on a lazer/ disco party with an additional selection of activities. Our parties keep all the children entertained and are suitable for children aged 2 to 5. Phone 07814448239 or email stirling@toddlersense. co.uk or visit www.babysensory.com www.facebook.com/ ToddlerSenseEdinburghStirlingFalkirk

11

parent to parent

D

ave lives in Kippen with his wife Hannah, their five year-old son Bill and three year-old daughter Dee. Dave has just started a new role as Outdoor Education Coordinator at Beaconhurst School, an independent school in Bridge of Allan offering excellent standards in education for 3 to 18 year-olds.

Why do you like living where you do?

I love the mountains and rivers of Scotland’s wilderness from Glencoe and Ben Nevis to the Cairngorms and Tay Valley. Hannah loves theatre, eating out, culture and city life. Where we live, like so many things in a family is the perfect compromise.

Favourite shop Kids just grow out of stuff so fast! We’ve bought loads of really good second-hand clothes from Good Green Fun and handed most of them back after a year or two.

Favourite park We take the kids and the dog to Mugdock Country Park. All three can run around like crazy, get dirty and wet and finish with tea and ice cream at the café…perfect.

Favourite children’s club/class When one of us had space in their working week, we loved taking the kids to Parents and Tots hosted by Church at Stirling on a Monday morning.

Favourite day out I really enjoy taking both children out on a Saturday morning so Mum can have a lie-in.

We go on all kinds of adventures on bikes in the canoe or on foot. This started when Bill was only a few months old and I hope they still enjoy it for many years to come.

Favourite child friendly restaurant When he was tiny I used to take Bill to the Forth Inn in Aberfoyle and we were always made very welcome. Now I like to sit outside Clive Ramsay’s in Bridge of Allan and give them a chance to act a little more grown-up.

No parent should be without Time to play.

So much of being a parent is hard work and we’re all trying to bring our children up to be courteous, diligent and successful. I love the times with my children when we forget the rule book and just mess about together.

Parenting pet hates Why is it that when they are tired and hungry at the end of the day is when they’re most likely to have a tantrum about the flavoursome and nutritious meal you’ve spent an hour preparing?

I can easily understand any parent who gives up and does chips!

Funniest comment your kids have ever made Having worked in outdoor education centres for fifteen years my usual work clothes are quite practical. On my first day at Beaconhurst School Dee saw me wearing a suit and asked: “Daddy, are you getting married?”

Favourite family holiday spot Good friends of ours let us stay at their flat in Millport. The island setting was a great place to explore and we were able to leave the car behind and cycle or walk everywhere. There are loads of kids activities on the sea front and it’s a really short trip back to the mainland for a great day out at Kelburn Country Centre.

Most loved children’s book My two love We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, Tyranosaurus Drip and The Smelly Book.

Despite all my efforts, Dee also loves anything to do with princesses or fairies.

Best dvd or tv programme Bill is such a boy: he likes Ben 10, Scooby Doo and Bear Grylls Born Survivor. In contrast Dee prefers Winx Club or Cbeebies. They both like a Disney animation…don’t we all?

Most played with toys The one thing they will both do for hours is build stuff. The best ones are wooden Blocks or Lego with which they build really tall (and unstable) towers until they can no longer reach the top and have to get a stool!

Dave’s local recommendations Clive Ramsay, Bridge of Allan Forth Inn, Aberfoyle Good Green Fun, Stirling Mugdock Country Park, Milngavie

Learning through the seasons

High Quality Care for children 0 - 5 years providing a safe happy stimulating learning environment • Convenient for M80 motorway links to Glasgow/

• • • • • •

Falkirk/Stirling Qualified and Experienced Staff Large Secure Outdoor play areas Open 7am - 7pm 51 weeks of Year Out of School Club (Opening August 2012) Located in the village of Longcroft, Bonnybridge Competitive Schedule of Fees. Discount available for pre-school children

To arrange a visit please contact Joan/Janine Tel 01324 876949 or e mail joan@firststepsnursery.uk.com www.firststepsnurserylongcroft.co.uk First Steps Day Nursery Allandale View Glasgow Road Longcroft FK4 1QN

12

families central scotland / issue 14

Encouraging your child to read

How to encourage reading M

By Elisabeth Dolton

any of us know the value and enjoyment of reading. Good readers become better writers, better learners and well rounded individuals. Taking an active part in helping your children become interested in reading is vital. Despite busy days, tired kids, limited time and many distractions, we outline five simple steps that can help.

Step three - See the teacher and judge where they are

Find out what reading program the school follows, get to know the levels, and aim to supplement the program at home. Prepare a timetable. Know what level your child is at and the next, with some idea of when it can be achieved. There is no race to be the first to read, it just puts it into context.

Step one - Set up reading time every day Decide when and where a reading session will take place and keep it. 10 minutes is fine.

Encourage your child to read aloud. They don’t have to get every word right, and praise them often. If they are discouraged by their own reading, you read aloud. The pleasure of listening to you read can restore their enthusiasm. Offer to read every other sentence, page, chapter, and have conversations and discussions about the content. Make it fun. Children love sound effects, different voices, pulling faces.

Step two – During reading time introduce the bookmark Stop after a few pages and pick up where you left off at another time. Provide an accessible, special place for children to keep their own books. Notice what attracts your children’s attention, even if it’s only pictures, and build on that interest. Gather more information on the same subject.

Listen to audio books, these help develop visualisation, a critical pre-reading skill. Let them choose their own books, don’t worry if the books are too easy, early reading success can come from several “nontraditional” sources such as comics. Buy a special notebook and record all the books they have read, add their thoughts and a star rating.

Step four - Plan specific reading linked activities Extend your child’s positive reading experiences, e.g. - if they enjoyed reading about dinosaurs, visit the natural history museum. Encourage activities that require reading - read a recipe, instructions, and directions, play games that require reading, use a reference book to look up something you have seen. Visit the library and give your child their own library card. They can choose their own library book or listen in on story time. Check with your local library about Book Bug sessions for babies and toddlers, sessions involve songs, stories and rhymes and are free!

Step five – Be a role model Let your children see you reading for pleasure. Read aloud everyday items menus, road signs, food labels. Give books as gifts. Leave books, magazines, and colourful catalogues around your home and write short notes for your child to read.

Helping reading for children with learning difficulties Books and Audio Follow a book as the audio book plays.

Listen to a chapter, and then read it together.

PlanetKeys Music Centre S t ir lin g

Fun, fully interactive and creative music classes starting from £12 per hour Keyboard / Piano / Guitar and much more..

Classes for 5 years and over..

FREE 1 hour Trial Lesson/Class To book your free trial lesson call us:

01786 448 417 or visit

PlanetKeys.co.uk

www.

Turn on the TV subtitles Sub-titles on your TV or DVD help increase sight word vocabulary, whilst developing a sense of flow of written and spoken language.

Make your child the star of their own audio book Your child can read into a recorder, then follow the book together during playback.

Everyone joins in Reserve thirty minutes each evening for family reading time. Each family member reads different material and then shares information about it, or takes turns reading aloud from the same book.

Support their learning Help ensure your child doesn’t get behind in reading material necessary for school subjects, ask for help with obtaining textbooks on CD ROM. Together identify unfamiliar words you come across and show your child how to look up the meanings of words. The dyslexia toolkit is a great resource which has been produced by Dyslexia Scotland. The toolkit is available at www.addressingdyslexia.org Reading opens up new worlds to your children and gives them a chance to use their imaginations. There are many ways to encourage your child to read, and the best ways always include participation on your part.

FREE BREAKFAST

FOR KIDS All you can eat & drink Adults £8.25 Weekdays 6.30am - 10.30am Weekends 7am - 11am Cadger’s Brae Beancross Rd, Polmont Falkirk FK2 0YS Tel: 01324 720726

*Two kids aged 15 or under eat free only when one adult purchases an £8.25 breakfast meal. For full terms and conditions see in store.

13

out & about

aturday 1st September

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

Thursday 13th December to Thursday 3rd January

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (12A)

Macrobert various times (ex Christmas day and New Years day).

Friday 28th December to Sunday 6th January (ex 1st and 2nd)

The Hobbit an Unexpected Journey 12A

Bo’ness Hippodrome various times.

Friday 29th December Frankenweenie (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Saturday 5th January The Rise of the Guardians (PG) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th January Hotel Transylvania (U) Macrobert various times.

Sunday 6th January Little Seedlings club at Dobbies Slimy slugs and snails. Poor snails, their slimy trails give them a bad name as a garden pest, when in fact they are fascinating creatures!

Snails and their slug friends are a very important part of your garden ecosystem. Did you know there are more species of them than all the mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians combined? Come along and learn all the truth behind the slime! FREE children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friday 11th to Saturday 19th January (ex Mon)

14

Linlithgow Farmers Market The Vennel 10-2pm Family Day at the Macrobert Starting at 11am, there will be live events, kids cinema and workshops.

The Man Who Planted Trees at the Macrobert 2.30pm. A hilarious puppet show about one man and his dog changing the world.

Suitable for ages 7+. Phone 01786 466666 for tickets and details.

Saturday 12th January Jupiter Wild life Centre in Grangemouth Junior watch club – Hibernation Station 10.30-12.30 Wildlife Watch is a nature club for children aged 8 to 12 that meets monthly. A lot of animals spend winter sleeping, while others head off to find sunshine somewhere else. Which would you do? Booking essential and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Contact the Jupiter ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk Stirling Farmers Market Port Street Stirling. 10-4pm Monday 14th January NCT Bumps and Babies Group 9.30-11.30am Mayfield centre St Ninians. This is a free weekly group for pregnant mums and parents with babies and toddlers. For more information phone 0844 2436079 or visit www.nct.org.uk/ branches/central-scotland

Tinkerbell and the Secret of the Wings (U) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Great Expectations (12A) Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Annie (U) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Forefront Theatre present Babes in the Wood Alloa Town Hall.

For information and booking phone 01259 750394.

Saturday 19th January

Saturday 5th to Thursday 10th January (ex Tues)

Saturday 26th January

Monday 21st and Thursday 24th January Great Expectations (12A) Falkirk Town Hall 7.30pm

families central scotland / issue 13

Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th January Burns Weekend at Stirling Castle 11am-3pm Here Stewarts once in glory r’eignd Here at the Castle we have always been proud of our links with Scotland’s beloved Bard and this year we are extending our normal programme of activities.

Our Burns tours give an insight into Rabbie’s visits to Stirling and the Castle and explore the impact on his work. Our knowledgeable guides will look at some of his most famous works such as Holy Willy, Scots Wha Hae and The Stirling Lines. There will also be Burns for Bairns, a family tour aimed at primary school aged children which will feature some of Burns’ most popular poetry including To a Mouse. In addition we will be looking at the history of the Burns Supper in The Whisky & The Haggis. A must for all the foodies out there! Included in admission price see www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk for details.

Big Garden Birdwatch, Big Garden Birdwatch has grown into fun for all the family.Take part in the nations bird watch. All you need is a pen and paper and spend an hour watching the birds in your garden or local park.Visit www.rspb.org. uk/birdwatch for details and to download a sheet to help you and find out more about the project.

Schools will also be taking part from 21st January to 1st February.

Visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/ activities.aspx for some great ideas of activities to keep the kids happy.

Sunday 27th January The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).

Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP, Livingston www.jackandjillmarket. co.uk Tuesday 29th January to Saturday 2nd February Big Bad Wolf theatre company present Annie at the Falkirk Town Hall It’s December 1933 and little orphan Annie is dreaming of a better life and finding her parents.

She eventually escapes the cruel orphanage matron, Miss Hannigan, when she is chosen to live with billionaire Oliver Warbucks for a week, as part of a publicity campaign. However, Annie’s stay turns out to be much more than anyone had bargained for as she touches everyone’s hearts and learns a few things for herself. For tickets contact The Steeple Box office on 01324 506850.

Friday 1st February Falkirk Farmers Market High Street 12-4pm Burns Supper at Dunblane Centre For tickets phone 01786 824224 www.dunblanecentre.co.uk

Saturday 2nd February Wombling Free (U) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Jupiter Wild life Centre in Grangemouth Junior watch club –Map Madness 10.30-12.30 Wildlife Watch is a nature club for children aged 8 to 12 that meets monthly. Do you know which way is north from south? We’ll make some maps of Jupiter and see if we can follow them without getting lost! Booking essential and wear appropriate outdoor clothing.

Contact the Jupiter ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@ swt.org.uk

Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd February The Nutcracker at the Macrobert This classic ballet is a wonderful escape for children of all ages into a magical world of snow, sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Phone 01786 466666 for details and tickets.

Sunday 3rd February Little Seedlings club at Dobbies Under the rocks and in the dirt there’s a whole world of bugs to be found from big eyed bugs to bad bugs and pirate bugs to lovely lady bugs! Learn all about the wonderful bugs that live in your garden, and ones to watch for on your travels! You’ll also get the chance to build a Brilliant Bug Hotel. FREE, children must be accompanied by an adult.

Baby Booty Sale Selling nearly new baby and toddler clothes, toys and equipment. 10.30-1pm. Stirling RFC Bridgehaugh. www.babybootysale.co.uk Monday 4th February The Hobbit – An Unexpected Journey (12A) Falkirk Town Hall 7.30pm Saturday 9th February Madagascar 3 (PG) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Stirling Farmers Market Port Street Stirling. 10-4pm Wee Boppers love heart disco 11-1pm and 2-4pm. Beancross Farm Polmont. Dance the afternoon away with live DJ, baby chill out zone, healthy snack and small soft play. Fantastic fun for ages 0-8. To book tickets phone Tamsin on 07919241440 or email weeboppersdisco@live.com or visit www.weeboppersdiscos. co.uk Sunday 10th February Ba Ba Boom Loves Disney!

- Disco for under 5s Falkirk Town Hall 12.30-2pm Bop with your babe, funk with your four year old and get down and groove with the second of our disco parties for teenies and their families!

This time we’re spinning all things Disney to sing and dance along to! Dress up as a Disney Princess, Tigger, Mickey, Buzz or any of your favourite characters. Flashing lights, parachutes, balloons and face

painting will get you into the party mood, and there’s a chill out zone and munchies on sale in the cafe.

Warning: Silly dancing compulsory!

Adults must be accompanied by a small person. For tickets contact The Steeple Box office on 01324 506850.

The Jack & Jill Market Falkirk 10.30am – 1.30 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs). Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save!

Grangemouth Sports Centre, Abbots Rd, Falkirk FK3 8JB: To book a stall visit www.jackandjillmarket. co.uk Wednesday 13th to Friday 15th Madagascar 3 (PG) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Friday 15th February Tracks and signs at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Grangemouth 2-4pm Wildlife can be pretty elusive. Come and learn some tips for finding out which animals have been out and about in your area, even when you don’t actually see them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Contact the Jupiter Ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk

out & about

Saturday 23rd February

Friday 1st March

Howl’s Moving Castle (U) 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Falkirk Farmers Market High Street 12-4pm

Open day at Donaldson’s School in Linlithgow 9.30-1.30pm Donaldson’s is Scotland’s national school for children who are deaf or have communication difficulties.

Parents/carers and education professional are invited to come along and find out more about the school. For more information contact Kim Pedder on 01506 841900 or kpedder@donaldsons.org.uk

Saturday 2nd March Jupiter Wild life Centre in Grangemouth Junior watch club – Bush crafty Wildlife Watch is a nature club for children aged 8 to 12 that meets monthly. Would you be able to survive a night in the wilds of Jupiter? Hopefully we won’t have to, but have fun learning some skills that would be handy if you did. Booking essential and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. Contact the Jupiter ranger on 01324 486475 or jupiterranger@swt.org.uk

Linlithgow Farmers Market The Vennel 10-2pm Sunday 24th February The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 40 stalls bursting with quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, toys, buggies, bikes, equipment, etc (0-9 yrs).

Shop Smartly, Spend Less, and Save! West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, EH54 7EP, Livingston www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Thursday 7th March

Monday 25th February

World Book Day Look out for your £1 voucher at school or nursery. www.worldbookday.com

Private Peaceful (12A) Falkirk Town Hall 11am and 7.30pm

Thursday 21st March

Saturday 16th February Way Out West 11am Bo’ness Hippodrome.

Monday 18th February ’Aardman Model-Making Workshop and Screening’ at Falkirk Town Hall.

Join one of Aardman studio’s talented model makers and find out just what it takes to be a professional animator, then with their expert guidance, have a go at creating your own model to take home with you. Followed or preceded by a free screening of Aardman’s Wallace and Gromit classic: ‘The Wrong Trousers’ (U) Three sessions: 09:30 - 11:00, 12:00 – 13:30 or 15:15 – 16:45 The Studio, FTH (Falkirk Town Hall), West Bridge Street, Falkirk FK1 5RS Plus Two screenings 11:15 - 11:45 or 14:30 - 15:00 £8 Adults/ £6 Children Materials provided Suitable for ages 6+.

Children aged under 11 years must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-booking advised. 01324 506850

Monday 25th February to Sunday 10th March Fairtrade Fortnight It’s time to take a stand for the food we love and the people who grow it. Without our support now, farmers in developing countries face an uncertain future. In 2013 we asked everyone to take a step for Fairtrade but there’s still so much more to do. We want to take Fairtrade further and we need your help to reach more farmers and workers who urgently need a better deal from trade. Together, we’ll be part of a UK-wide movement speaking up about the injustices that mean farmers in poorer countries struggle to make ends meet. www. fairtrade.org.uk

Round String Theatre presents Faerie Stories at Falkirk Town Hall 10.15am and 2pm.Sit by the fire while we share with you ancient Gaelic Fairy Tales from times gone by. Journey into the imagination of the Scottish Gaels…….Faerie Stories is an enchanting show for children aged 6-11 that uses puppets, music and dance to share this unique part of Scotland’s history and culture in a fast, furious and fun way. For tickets phone the box office on 01324 506850 www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Cinema Listings For cinema listings at Bo’ness Hippodrome call 01324 508850 or visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/ venues/hippodrome For cinema listings at the Macrobert call 01786 466666 or visit www.macrobert.org

Families Central Scotland Magazine now on facebook.Visit us for regular what’s on updates. www.facebook.com/FamCS

2 Meals for £9.95

Stagecoach Stirling is now taking bookings for the Spring term For a Prospectus call Stagecoach Stirling now on 0131 337 7774 or email: stirling@stagecoach.co.uk

Registered charity:1093411

WEAR A HAT DAY Thursday 28 th March

2013 University Sports Centre

Family sport in a welcoming environment • Parent & child memberships for equivalent of £25 a month • Children’s swimming, golf, gymnastics, tennis and trampolining classes • Hall hire great for badminton, short tennis and table tennis • Health classes for mums-to-be • Café to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee

01786 466900 www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

REGISTER NOW | Tel: 01296 733011

www.braintumourresearch.org