Families Fife, Perth & Kinross March-April 2014

EE FR

Inco rporating Perth & Kinross

the really useful magazine and website for families in the fife region

Issue 24 • March/April 2014

www.familiesfife.co.uk

our Easter Put a spring With holiday clubs, camps in your step and activities feature

Also including: Childcare options, What’s on, PLUS: Bake off winner Francis Quinn on baking for kids Pick up your copy in…

Dunfermline  Glenrothes  Kirkcaldy  Perth  Kinross  Cupar  St Andrews or a village in between

Contents

Inco rporating Perth & Kinross

holiday fun in april www.onfife.com with Across all our venues £5.50, conc. £4.50

Puppet Animation Festival Sat 29 March I 11am & 2pm I Age 0 – 5 I Adam Smith Studio Faux Theatre Celeste’s Circus

Wed 2 April I 11am I Age 3+ I Adam Smith Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre Gingerbread Man Thur 3 April I 11am & 2pm I Age 4+ I Carnegie Hall Yugen Puppet Company The Little Princess Goldtree Fri 4 April I 11am & 2pm I Age 4+ I Lochgelly Centre

Sokobauno Puppet Theatre Albert’s Amazing Acrobatic Flea Circus Fri 4 April I 11am I Age 5+ I Rothes Halls Jabuti Theatre My City Sat 5 April I 11am I Age 3 – 5 I Lochgelly Centre

Puppet Anima Adventures from the Odyssey Mon 7 April I 11am & 2pm I Age 5+ I Carnegie Hall

Lempen Puppet Theatre The Golden Princess Tue 8 April I 11am & 2pm I Age 4+ I Lochgelly Centre Mousetale Puppets Oscar and The Lost City of The Incas Tue 8 April I 11am I Age 4+ I Rothes Halls Garlic Theatre The Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mon 14 April I 11am I Age 3+ I Adam Smith

Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company Little Red Hen

01592 611101

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Welcome to Families Fife

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Who, What, Where, When Dunfermline and Perth delve into the past with two upcoming family events

6

Education and childcare What childcare is right for you?

Help in choosing your childcare

8

Spring has sprung Packed feature with what’s on where over Easter and the school holidays

12

Clubs and classes With updates from local providers

13

Birth, baby & Beyond Guides to hypnobirthing and Human Givens Therapy

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What’s on Even more events in March and April in date order

Contact us

Editor: Susan Kirkwood, editor@familiesfife.co.uk Tel: 01383 735938 or 07734 289 143

Tue 1 April I 11am & 2pm I Age 3+ I Carnegie Hall The Folding Theatre Puppet Company Two Can Toucan

01592 583302

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Cover photography: Ria McMahon www.facebook.com/ paperumbrellasphotography Design: White Creative www.whitecreativecompany.co.uk Proofreading: Kindly provided by Elaine Robinson 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: May-June 2014 Birthdays & Parties Booking deadline: 31 March 2014, Out: 28 April 2014

Families Fife© is a part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London©. All franchised magazines are independently owned and operated under license. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk ÊÊ Ed taking a break from spring cleaning…

I

t’s March and it’s the spring holiday. I am deliberately not using the word Easter holiday as the children will be back to school by the time that Easter actually appears on the 20th April… But for inspiration on what to do in those first two weeks of April and for Easter, look no further than the pages of this magazine. Even a quick glance will prove that there is just so much on. Egg hunts – with chocolate included, puppetry and animation, not to mention lots of sport and outdoor camps, there really is tons to do. So get out there, have fun and don’t forget to keep checking www.familiesfife. co.uk for even more up to date information on what’s happening locally. 

Susan Kirkwood, Editor

Spring into action!

W

ith winter nearly behind us, spring is the perfect opportunity to get out and about as a family, for a bike ride or walk, and it’s a great way of exploring your local area.

Make your Move Kirkcaldy is running lots of practical and fun activities over the spring and summer to help people get more active: Borrow a bike from us, it’s free, comes with accessories and can be loaned for a month.

Book some cycle training and feel more confident.

These free sessions for adults are run by qualified cycle trainers and can be organised for individuals, groups of friends or work colleagues.

Learn some basic bike maintenance so you know how to fix a puncture, check your brakes and other top tips.

Join us on one of our family friendly bike

rides. These are rides over short distances, at a comfortable pace so you can chat as you go.

Take part in The Kirkcaldy Challenge in May. Individuals and teams across Kirkcaldy will be competing against each other to be crowned the Champions! Lots of fun to be had and fantastic prizes to be won by those who clock-up the most mileage for their active journeys (by bike, walking, public transport).

Regular Dr Bike sessions provide you with free bike checks. Available for your workplace or community group too.

There’s never been a better time to get active.  For more information visit www. makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk, facebook/makeyourmovekirkcaldy, @ MYMKirkcaldy or email Rachel at Info@ makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk

Go explore...

...for free

. family bike rides . borrow a bike . essential cycle skills . bike maintenance classes . Dr Bike sessions for more information, visit makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk or contact Rachel T: 07824 628 491 E: info@makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk www.makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk

@mymkirkcaldy

facebook.com/makeyourmovekirkcaldy

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning.

To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment.

Glenrothes Study Centre Lesley Shaw 01383 822 814

Develop your child’s independence kumon.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Issue 24 Families Fife | 3

Cadbury Easter Egg Trails We’ve teamed up with Cadbury again to bring Easter Egg Trails to 45 National Trust for Scotland places across the country from Good Friday to Easter Monday!

Turn eggsplorer with us as you follow the trail, collect the clues, solve the puzzle and win a Cadbury Egghead! Each of the trails is different – a great excuse to try your hand at more than one!

In Fife, trails are taking place at

Culross Palace

Kellie Castle

Falkland Palace

Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse

For dates, times and info on the trails at all 45 places visit

www.nts.org.uk/Easter

a place for easter

The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410

4 | Families Fife Issue 24

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News: Who, What, Where, When …

Bruce brings mediaeval mayhem

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oin Europe’s top jousting team, The Knights Royal, as Dunfermline gears up to celebrate this year’s Bruce Festival. Taking place against the backdrop of Dunfermline Abbey, the King’s final resting place, on 12th and 13th of July 2014, the two-day event has been timed to coincide with Robert the Bruce’s birthday.

Another major highlight of the free two-day festival, which is a key event in Homecoming Scotland 2014, is the ferocious fighting of the battle reenactments.

Other, less combative attractions include street theatre, interactive medieval cookery stalls, food from some of the best Scottish producers and a chance for children to participate in the Bruce Highland Games.

Noble steeds, falconry displays and medieval farmyard animals complete what will be a step back in time for visitors. The

Knights Royal and re-enactors will lead visitors in a procession through the streets of the historical town and Ancient Capital of Scotland, to Pittencrieff Park, to mark the ceremonial opening of the festival.

Also new for 2014 will be the weeklong build-up to the event when Dunfermline will be alive with street performers and live entertainment and many businesses will be serving up special Bruce fayre. Bruce Festival will take place on 12th and 13th July 2014 between 11am and 4pm at Pittencrieff Park, known locally as ‘The Glen’.

For further information visit: www.brucefestival.co.uk, www.facebook. com/thebrucefestival, Twitter: @ BruceFestival, www.visitscotland.com/ see-do/homecoming-scotland-2014/ homecomingscotland.com

Greener and warmer

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reener Kirkcaldy is an environmental charity helping people to tackle their fuel bills. As inefficient housing and rising energy prices make it difficult to keep warm over the winter, this free, independent service helps Fife households to save energy, and money too.

Trained staff offer energy advice visits to householders and come up with an energy-reduction plan which includes a mix of changing habits, such as programming heating and identifying energy efficiency improvements for the property.

GK help folk access schemes providing eligible homeowners and tenants with free heating system upgrades and insulation.

The Handyman service can also install measures like draught proofing and energy-efficient bulbs, free for households struggling with high fuel bills.

100’s have been helped by Greener

Kirkcaldy, like Marjorie Forsyth of East Wemyss: “I was spending loads on heating; it took forever heating my house and very expensive too.”

GK were able to get Marjory free insulation through a government scheme.

The handyman service dealt with draughty windows. Afterwards, Marjory said: “I can really feel the warmth now. The house heats up more quickly and seems to keep its heat for much longer, I don’t need to have my heating on as much.”  Greener Kirkcaldy has an advice centre for energy queries. The team are also happy to give talks to community groups or attend events. Visits can be booked by calling 01592 858458, emailing info@ greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk or in the Advice Centre 254a High Street, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-4pm.

COSY KINGDOM

STAY WARM, SAVE MONEY

Free and impartial home energy-saving advice (You’ll be helping the environment too!).

To arrange a home energy advice visit, contact: Greener Kirkcaldy | 01592 858458 | info@greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk or St Andrews Environmental Network | 01334 659315 | info@standrewsenergy.org @CosyKingdom Cosy Kingdom is a partnership between Greener Kirkcaldy, St Andrews Environmental Network, Citizens Advice & Rights Fife, and Fife Council. It is funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Secrets of Egypt revealed

Blockbuster exhibition explores the popular myths behind modern-day misconceptions about ancient Egypt. Did aliens build the pyramids? Is the curse of the mummy real?

Were the Egyptians obsessed with death? erth Museum and Art Gallery is reopening this March with an exciting programme of exhibitions focussing on ancient Egypt.

Secret Egypt will bring together over 150 objects from Birmingham Museums’ ancient Egyptian collection, and provide you with archaeological evidence that will answer these questions and more!

Their 3,000 year old ancient Egyptian mummy has recently been scanned and x-rayed as part of a scientific study by Manchester University. The modern technology used to investigate the mummy has provided some amazing information about her life, including where she came from, what she ate and what she was called. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the museum with your school as part of an education visit in March, you can say hello to ‘Takherheb’, and discover what secrets this incredible messenger from the past can share with us.

On 15th March 2014, Perth Museum will be opening the doors on its brand new blockbuster exhibition Secret Egypt - Unravelling truth from myth. Based on the evidence of objects spanning 4000 years, this exhibition will allow visitors to investigate the truth behind some of the popular myths about ancient Egypt. And what’s more, entrance to the exhibition is FREE – so there’s no excuse not to grab an adult [or child!] and get along.  Secret Egypt runs from 15 March until 25 May and is free. This Herbert Touring exhibition has been developed in partnership with Birmingham Museums Trust. For further information on our exhibitions and education programme for schools go to: www.pkc.gov.uk/ museums

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Issue 24 Families Fife | 5

Education and Childcare

Childcare choices Childcare costs are increasing – but it’s quality that matters the most for any parent. Joanna Moorhead looks at what option might suit you best, plus what’s new in 2014

A

ccording to a recent survey from findababysitter.com, childcare costs are soaring – up by 19% over the last year.

Every parent knows that what matters most about any sort of childcare is its quality – it’s vital that your child is safe, happy and in a stimulating environment while you’re at work – but the money matters too. So what are the factors you need to take into account when you’re choosing childcare in readiness for returning to work?

Childminder ÊParents Ê looking for a flexible and more affordable childcare option should definitely consider choosing a childminder.

Childminders are self-employed childcare

professionals, providing a high quality service in a home-from-home environment.

The flexibility of a childminder can reduce your overall childcare costs, as many childminders work out as the cheaper option for parents compared to nursery fees. The average cost of a childminder in Scotland is £3.75 per hour*.

For useful tips and help for when you are choosing a childminder, visit the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) website at childminding.org or call our Helpline on 01786 445377.

*1021 SCMA childminders surveyed.

A childminder might suit you if...

Ê You Ê work part-time or are not a high earner (childminders are the best-value option) ÊYou Ê work unsociable hours or shifts (childminders can work outside normal working hours) ÊYou Ê have two or more children (58% of childminders offer discounts for siblings) ÊYour Ê child has specific needs, e.g. medication (childminders can cater for your child’s needs)

ÊYou Ê want your child to learn from real-life experiences (childminders provide a high quality service from a family environment)

Nursery ÊStudies Ê have shown that children who attend nurseries can be more confident and often go on to do better at school. Some parents feel reassured to have their children in an environment with more than one carer and with lots of children of differing ages.

A nursery might suit you if…

ÊYou Ê have an only child or this is your youngest child and you are unlikely to have more in the near future – because a nursery will give him or her plenty of opportunities to play with other children ÊYour Ê child is not a small baby, and so many benefit particularly from the organised activities a nursery can offer ÊYou Ê like the idea of a setting where events are regulated in a way that involves a lot of carers, rather than just one.

Private nanny ÊThere Ê is an often overlooked alternative to a childminder or nursery and that is a private nanny. This may sound like an expensive luxury

FOR FIRST RATE CHILDCARE VISIT US AT...

www.rainbowchildcarefife.co.uk

The ideal nursery environment for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years

Childcare vouchers accepted Free car parking Creche availability Open 7am-7pm Monday to Friday For more information call: 01393 249053 Or email: info@appinnurserycreche.com

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www.familiesfife.co.uk

or conjure up images or Nanny McPhee but the reality is of course, very different.

online resources

A nanny might suit you if...

National organisations offering advice and information on childcare: • Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY) www.pacey. org.uk • Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) www. childminding.org • Ofsted www.ofsted.gov.uk (England and Wales only)

ÊYou’re Ê a reasonably high earner though you can Nanny share ÊYou Ê work irregular hours. That’s because you can pay a nanny to work the hours you work, whereas a nursery or childminder will be less flexible about time ÊYou Ê have two or more children – and a dog!

Childcare Vouchers ÊChildcare Ê vouchers allow parents to choose their own childcare provider and could help reduce your childcare costs. Many businesses and organisations in the UK offer their employees a childcare voucher scheme as a benefit to help achieve a better work life balance.

If your employer operates a childcare voucher scheme, you’re able to register and pay your childcare provider directly via the scheme. Each month a portion of your salary will be deducted before tax to cover your family’s childcare costs.

Using a childcare voucher scheme is a great idea, as it benefits both yourself and your childcare provider. A direct way to pay, eliminating payments on the doorstep and avoids any confusion over fees. The amount you pay will depend on your childcare provider and their costs for each month, but as the funds are deducted before tax, you are essentially receiving tax-free childcare.

The childcare voucher scheme also

• Care Inspectorate www.careinspectorate.com (Scotland only) Other organisations offering information and guidance for parents: • The Family and Childcare Trust www. familyandchildcaretrust.org • The Pre-school Learning Alliance www.pre-school.org.uk • Scottish Pre-School Play Association (SPPA)

provides the childcare provider with a little security, ensuring that fees are paid correctly and on time.

What’s happening in 2014? ÊFamilies Ê in Scotland will benefit as the number of funded early learning and childcare places will increase from 475 to 600 hours each year from the autumn.

The Scottish Government has launched the Early Years Collaborative, which is a coalition of partners including social services, health, education and childcare organisations to ensure children in Scotland have the best start in life.

Through the Children and Young People Bill, it’s proposed that all children and young people in Scotland from birth to 18 years old have access to a Named Person. 

Call to care

D

id you know that there is currently a shortage of childcare provision in most rural areas of Perth & Kinross? Trained, trusted care-givers are required to fulfil a demand which is felt mostly in before and after school care provision for children attending smaller primary schools. So, there’s never been a better time to attend one of Perth & Kinross Council’s childminder Pre-Registration Training courses. These courses are aimed at people who love children, have a caring nature, a sense of humour and lots of patience. Previous experience of working with children is not required. Three courses are currently being offered between now and the end of May. See advert for details of how to book a place, or just to have a chance to talk about childminding and what the course covers. 



Flexible Affordable Professional

SCMA childminders provide a quality childcare service built around you.

Find your nearest SCMA childminder using our Childminder Search Service or if you’re interested in Becoming a Childminder contact June Lyall, Fife Childminding Development Officer on june.lyall@childminding.org or call 01592 756986.

www.childminding.org www.familiesfife.co.uk

Labels4Kids

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abels4Kids can cater for any of your requirements after the closure of Cash’s name tapes. The new website includes the introduction of the snappy school pack, containing snap on tags and vinyl labels. The advantage of vinyl waterproof labels for all your non-clothing items, two bag tags and snap on snappy tags etched with a name. Snappy tags have the added benefit of being removable and reusable. Other new lines include personalised TSA luggage straps with security locks and sew on labels with pre-sealed edges to stop fraying. Sign up for the newsletter for updates and offers right to your inbox. You can also ‘like’ the Labels4Kids facebook page for competitions and more offers.  Go to www.labels4kids.com/fam and use “pass” for 10% off.

Childminder training courses in Perth

Looking for childcare that suits you, your family and your bank balance?

www.sppa.org.uk • Scottish Family Information Service www.scottishfamilies.gov.uk • Working Families www.workingfamilies.org.uk Social platforms for parents, childcare providers and private tutors: Childcare.co.uk is an online social networking platform for parents, childcare providers and private tutors; www.childcare.co.uk

Call Susan on 07734 289 143 to advertise here

Let us take good care of your little rascal

Our staff are committed to providing the highest quality child care and education in a safe, cosy, child centred and enabling environment.

• Open 51 weeks per year • Monday - Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 8am-1pm • Caring for children from 6 weeks of age • Nursery, Crèche and Afterschool

www.rascalscowdenbeath.co.uk

Issue 24 Families Fife | 7

Easter special

Put a spring in your step this Easter B

y now you may be wondering what on earth you are going to do in the Easter holidays. At first, two weeks off school sounds great. We all let out a great sigh of relief at the break from the morning routines, the welcome respite from school uniform laundering and the stress of the school run. But then the reality bites and we start to wonder how to fill the longer days without academia to fill the gaps. And as Easter day doesn’t actually happen until the children are back at school (why do they do this?) we don’t even have the option of sitting around eating Easter eggs to fall back on this year!

Luckily there are lots of organisations out there who have been planning what to do with the kids in the holidays on our behalf. Families Fife has rounded up as many of these as our deadline allowed, so grab a ‘phone and a pen and get planning. ÊPractical Ê solutions Obviously, many parents can’t just take time off school when the children are off. If you are in Fife, and find yourself in this position, then do look up the Early Years Service.

Fife Childcare and Early Years Services manage almost 50 Out of School Clubs throughout Fife. Most clubs are based in primary schools and community centres and they pick up from a large number of schools.

We offer child care before /after school during term time and during school holidays for children aged 5 – 12 years, in some services up to their 19th birthday if your child has additional needs. All clubs are registered with the Care Inspectorate and our highly skilled staff members are trained in First Aid, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety and Playwork.

They are booking now for the Easter Holidays. As well as the Out of hours activities such as arts and crafts, games, a range of sports and indoor/outdoor play they will be offering trips during the holidays.

Tel: 01592 583145. Club opening hours vary slightly in each area but in general they are open 7.45 – 9.00am and 3.00 – 6.00pm during term time and from 8am to 6pm during holidays and in-service days.

ÊFor Ê working parents in the Perth and Kinross area, Perth & Kinross Council, through the Childcare Strategy Team, manage Kids Club services. Kids Clubs offer childcare after school, on in-service days and during holidays for children from Primary One to their second year at secondary.

Over the Easter holidays services will operate from 8:00am to 6:00pm at Kids Clubs at Oakbank, Blairgowrie and Milnathort Primary Schools and at Wraparound Services at Inchview in Perth, Luncarty and St Dominic’s in Crieff.

Programmes include some of the regular activities such as den building and art & craft workshops as well as planned trips and outings. See the council website www.pkc. gov.uk/families.

Kids Clubs operate a flexible booking scheme, where children can attend for activities on specific days or for flexible childcare over the holiday fortnight. Daily fees are charged in three categories - up to 5 hours, up to 7 hours or over 7 hours.

An annual registration fee is also payable, allowing access to any Kids Club or Wraparound Care service.

Get active with Fife Sport and Leisure

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popular scheme which makes it more affordable to get kids active during school holidays is once again on offer this Easter.

Fife Sports and Leisure Trust – the region’s leading provider of sports and leisure facilities – will continue to deliver its Quid-a-Kid programme offering juniors aged 17 and under the chance to swim and play racquet sports for just £1 during the Easter school holidays.

The Quid-a-Kid scheme is available in the Trust’s facilities across the region and is part of the organisation’s drive to get more young people active more of the time.

Not only is the Trust offering Quida-Kid, but there will be range of great activities on offer from 31st March to 11th April in leisure centres across the region. Programmes on offer include, swim and gymnastics camps, football coaching, fitness classes and racquet sports to name just a few great ways to keep kids active this Easter holidays.

And don’t forget, Quid-a-Kid Weekends is available all year around giving the same great deal to juniors. Parents can also benefit from discounted prices on racquet sport fun – so there’s no excuse not to get active and have fun together! 

For full details on Fife Sports and Leisure Trust’s Easter holiday activities, visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk

For information about Kids Clubs in your local area, please contact the Childcare and Family Information Service on 0845 601 4477, e-mail childcare@pkc.gov.uk or check the national website www.scottishfamilies. gov.uk. You are also welcome to visit any of the services.

ÊCOMMUNITY Ê USE SCHOOLS Many of the Community Use Schools have

ÊAdventure Ê Gold Island, Dunfermline Bad weather is a thing of the past at Dunfermline’s Adventure Golf Island in Fife Leisure Park due to their new all weather dome. This is the first fully inflatable dome over a mini golf course in Europe and it arrived in September 2013 the popular leisure attraction for all to see.

The completely air tight structure allows all the family to enjoy mini golf whatever the Scottish weather is doing outside. The dome has been specially designed for the Pirates Cove course and allows natural light in during the day and will be floodlit at night.

Easter under the Dome April 7th – 20th Adventure Golf Island welcomes you to enjoy one complimentary admission to play both Treasure Island and Pirates Cove with purchase of an admission to play both Treasure Island and Pirates Cove. Quote “Families Fife Offer” at the ticket office. 

8 | Families Fife Issue 24

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ÊÊ Left: Erin Smart, aged 5, enjoys a swim at Michael Woods Sports and Leisure Centre, Glenrothes

responsibility, learn forest skills with real tools, play games, watch wildlife and more. Come and have fun. Age 6 to 13yrs.

10am - 4pm. £125 for 5 days.

Early Bird Discount - £100 for 5 days if booked

by Monday 17th March.

Fully insured, disclosed qualified experienced Forest School leader. Booking essential.

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

RSPB Loch Leven Monday 7 – Friday 11 April. Story Writing Workshop. Come along to the nature reserve, be inspired by the views and the wildlife and create your own illustrated story to take home.

Further details will follow so keep an eye on our events page at www.rspb.org.uk/ lochleven for more information.

Friday 18 – Monday 21 April Easter Egg Hunt! Pick up a quiz sheet, find and solve the clues hidden round the reserve and see if you can win a chocolate Easter egg! Fun for all the family!

Further details will follow so keep an eye on our events page at www.rspb.org.uk/ lochleven for more information.

programmes running throughout the Easter Holidays. Check with your local school.

Beath High Community Use Cowdenbeath FC Football Camp Monday-Friday 31 March - 4 April 2014 Primary 1 - Primary 3 9.00-12.00 £20.00 (18 spaces) Primary 4 -S1 9.00-3.00 £30.00 (18 spaces) A fun filled week of football coaching. Please pay for camp at time of booking. Telephone: 01383 602346 Email: communityuse.beath@fife.gov.uk Find us on: www.facebook.com/CUSWest Dunfermline High Community Use Monday 7th - Friday 11th April: 09.30 - 12.00 Multi-Sports P1 - 7 09.30 - 12.00 Football P1 - 7 (delivered by Pars Foundation) 1000 - 1100 Mini-Kickers 3 & 4 years (delivered

by Pars Foundation) 12.30 - 14.30 Multi-Activity P1 – 7, Netball P4 – 7, Basketball P4 – 7, Dance P4 – 7 15.00 – 17.00, Tennis P4 – 7 Flexible bookings - kids can book in for a full day or attend the session of their choice. All activities available are delivered locally so kids have a clear pathway to participation should they wish to play more. Our prices offer great value with Fifestyle discounts of up to 50% available. To book or request more information please contact Dunfermline High School Community Use on 01383 602348 or communityusedunfermline@fife.gov.uk Kirkland High School Community Use Take part in a wide range of sports such as Rugby, Bowls, Swimming, Gymnastics or a Multi-Activity camp

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Monday 31st March- Friday 4th April, 9am - 12.30pm. Cost £20 per week Fifestyle discounts www.fifedirect.org.uk/CUSchools East Fife Youth Academy football camp@Bayview Monday 31st - Friday 4th April, 9.00am 3.30pm, £10 per day for P1-P7 children.

To book your place contact Lorna McAuley eastfifeyouthacademy@yahoo.co.uk

ÊOutdoor Ê Pursuits Outdoor Adventure weeks with Fife Council The Outdoor Adventure Weeks are run by Fife Council’s Play Development Team and provide children with fun and exciting outdoor play experiences including den building, making rope swings, toasting marshmallows on a campfire as well as a variety of other outdoor activities. Children should bring a packed lunch, waterproof clothing and wellies.

To book your place on the outdoor adventure week please log on to: www. fifedirect.org.uk/outdooradventure Email: play.development@fife.gov.uk Tel. 01592 583146 Mon 31 March - Fri 4 April, 9.30 to 3.00pm Outdoor Adventure Week, Townhill Country Park, Dunfermline. £16.00 per day/ £80.00 per week.

Mon 7 April - Fri 11 April, 9.30 to 3.00pm Outdoor Adventure Week Letham Glen, Leven. £16.00 per day/ £80.00 per week Children’s Forest School Club, Fife Monday 31st March to Friday 4th April Kingsbarns Monday 7th to Friday 11th April - Kingsbarns Forest School - Build confidence, initiative,

ÊCreative Ê and craft The Ceramic Café, Dunfermline For those feeling crafty in Fife, why not pop along to the Ceramic Café in Dunfermline?

Get along early in March if you want to beat the Mother’s day rush for mugs teapots, flower pots and picture frames! Or why not make a morning of it during the Easter holidays? Grab a couple of friends and get creative – oh, and don’t forget to take the kids!

Elgin Industrial Estate, KY12 7SN. Tel 01383 840640.

YT@FC Youth Theatre at Fife College Easter Dramarama Programme at Duloch Community School. March 31st to 4th April.

10am to 12pm for 4 to 7 year olds 1pm to 4pm for 8 to 12year olds.

Contact Duloch Community School in Dunfermline on (01383) 602209 and ask for the YT@FC Easter Dramarama programme to note interest in either programme.

Remake Have a number of classes on at their Community Scrapstore in Crieff.

Wednesday 9 April, 2-4pm, Scrapstore bonnets £3 per child, Thursday 10 April, 2-4pm, Eggbox creatures £3 per child, Friday 11 April, 2-4pm, Plastic bottle baskets £3 per child, Saturday 12 April, 10-12pm, Scrapstore superhero jetpacks £3 per child. Remake Scotland Community Scrapstore Unit 2 (blue & orange door next to Thistle Pottery) Crieff Visitor Centre, Muthill Road, Crieff, PH7 4HQ. T: 01764 655 733.  www.remakescotland.co.uk info@remakescotland.co.uk

Issue 24 Families Fife | 9

Easter special The hunt for an eggs-traordinary day out is over!

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or the seventh year running, Cadbury are supporting the National Trust for Scotland to bring you the 2014 Easter Egg trails - a great day out for all the family! There will be trails at 45 Trust places across Scotland, so start your adventure today by finding out where your nearest Cadbury Easter Egg Trail is and get the date in your diary! On the day, we will inspire your child’s inner adventurer and transform them into an Eggsplorer! They’ll receive a make-it-yourself pith helmet, a Trail Journal containing all the clues they need to complete the trail and an Eggsplorer Passport to be stamped along the way. On completing the trail they will be rewarded with a delicious Cadbury Egghead. There will also be some great prizes to win in competitions for the whole family.

In Fife, trails are taking place at Falkland Palace, Kellie Castle, Culross Palace and Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse.

Property Manager at Falkland Palace, Wendy Purvis says; ‘We’re delighted to be working with Cadbury again to bring Easter fun throughout Scotland! This year, we’ll be encouraging young people to eggsplore Scotland’s heritage and uncover all of Falkland Palace’s secrets. This is just the start of a packed programme of family events here and at Trust places all over, which will help turn Scotland into your playground in 2014.’  For more information visit nts.org.uk/Easter

Easter at home Play with food

Bake or buy - Bagel Noughts and Hot Crosses by Francis Quinn As Easter time approaches here is a fun idea for using a seasonal bread bun!

All you need is a slate tile with noughts and crosses grid chalked on it and prepare home-made (or a couple of packs each of ) bagels FRANCES QUINN bagelsand hot cross buns – bagels for and-crosses for Easter noughts and hot cross buns for crosses! Play using CLEAN hands and finish the game by eating the playing pieces! Fun and Yum! 

The Ceramic Cafe Dunfermline

l Ceramic l Free

Painting Studio

Soft Play

l Cafe

with snacks

l Homebaking l Easy

Parking & Access

The Ceramic Cafe 17b Elgin St. Ind. Estate Dunfermline, KY12 7SN

10am – 5pm Open 7 days a week 10 | Families Fife Issue 24

www.ceramiccafe-fife.co.uk

01383 840640

The puppets are back in town!

Puppet Animation FestivaL 29th March – 19th April 2014

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arch sees the return of the Puppet Animation Festival to four theatres across Fife. This year the festival celebrates 30 years of bringing magical family adventure performances, workshops and films from award winning companies to communities across Scotland. This year’s packed programme features creative reimagining’s of classical childhood tales, immersive play with light and sound to delight the under 5s as well as animated box office hits.

Very young children will enjoy a trip to the circus as they meet the animals of Celeste’s circus under the big top. Or 3-7 year olds can find out how the Toucan got his name in the Folding Theatre Company’s show based on the book by David McKee. Add flea circuses, gallivanting gingerbread men, golden princesses and a Sorcerer’s Apprentice into the mix and you’ll get the general idea of the mayhem that is the Puppet festival.

Puppets, mime and even a dash of real magic here and there, will leave adults and children enthralled.  Venues throughout Fife. See What’s on section on P15 for dates and details. www.onfife.com

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Baking by design S

o in the great tradition of it’s not what you know but who you know, Families Pennines editor, Rachel Bentley recently met Frances Quinn at a local event. Not one to miss an opportunity, Rachel, grabbed a quick word with the winner of the 2013’s Great British Bake Off (GBBO) which she has kindly shared with other Families editors, who were similarly glued to last year’s show.

Frances Quinn had to beat off tough competition to triumph. How did she keep it all together?

“It was stressful –the judges’ comments can hit you hard, admitted Frances.”

Famously Frances was told to be aware of ’style over substance’ during the show.

This is a lady with a lot of style AND substance. A designer for top clothing brand, Joules, she is taking time out to pursue baking-oriented challenges, but the 31 year old from Market Harborough has developed her love of baking combined with design over many years.

The youngest of 5, the kitchen played a big part in family life and from a young age she would go and make a batch of flapjack – there was always a lunch box to be filled!

Many parents are concerned over

portait: RACHEL BENTLEY. left: FRANCES QUINN owl-biscuit

sugar and additives in our children’s food – and Frances uses ingredients which are lower sugar, with natural colourings and few additives.

“I use ginger or chocolate for colouring, perhaps with a bit of gold leaf, like my owl-shaped shortbread with almonds, rather than making brightly coloured, sweetie covered cakes.”

At Joules the colours she developed all had reference to food!

She’d take bakes to work to test out themed cake designs on colleagues and Joules asked her to include her bakes on its blog. She is often asked will she pursue baking OR clothing design.

“I don’t want to choose, I think they mesh together. I don’t want to be boxed in and hope to keep on creating in both spheres. And there is a book deal in the ‘piping bag’ line!! It has all been incredible.”

As we finish, I head straight for the family kitchen, hide the candycoated-chocolate-bean cake decorations to the back of the cupboard - and begin to rethink baking with the kids! 

See Frances’s website for bake ideas and see our Play with food idea opposite for a noughts and crossesgame with a baking difference! www.francesquinn.co.uk

Easter at home Make a Bee Garden

by Robin Dean, The Red Beehive Company

O

f all the insects that visit our gardens, none are more iconic and important to us than bees, and they come in a surprising range of sizes, colours and shapes. Honey and bumble bees are instantly recognizable to most of us as they buzz around, but how many of us could identify some of the other species of bee?

Whether we can identify them or not, one thing is common to all species, and that is they all need our help. Most bees would just like a little nectar and pollen, and a lovely Easter holiday project would be to plant up a “Bee Garden”. There are a number of plants to choose from that are robust and require minimum care, beyond a drink of water now and again, and will do splendidly in a small window box, planter or large pot. Snowdrops, Crocus, Primrose and

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Bluebells (remember Bluebells are protected, so don’t go digging them up from a local woodland area!) all make for a spectacular spring display. Rosemary, Sage and Lavender are also highly attractive to bees, and chives have flowers to tempt them - as well as making a tasty contribution to the kitchen! A Catnip plant or two will keep your cat happy, as well as the having the local bees dropping in for a nectar and pollen snack.

Now you have given them some food, why not make a bee hotel as well. For those of you concerned about encouraging bees to live in the garden, don’t be. Bees that live in bee hotels are solitary bees, and unlike the social bees (honey and bumble bees) don’t make honey so therefore don’t have anything to defend. This makes them really docile and

perfectly safe to have around children and pets. ÊÊTo construct your bee hotel: You will need some bamboo (around 1.5cm in diameter), string or garden wire, and a small saw (to cut the bamboo).

Cut the bamboo into 15cm lengths, cutting each piece just before a node to give you a hollow tube with a natural sealed end.

Bind the bamboo pieces together with the string or garden wire, with the open ends all facing in the same direction.

Take the bundle out into the garden and find a secure place to fasten your bee hotel to. The open ends should face anywhere between east and south to get the early morning sun, with a clear flight path into the hotel. 

Issue 24 Families Fife | 11

Birth, Baby & Beyond When is the right time to ask for some help?

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here are many reasons why a person can feel balanced one day and toppled the next. Life challenges as a parent can come in the form of: physical and mental health and that of our children, our children’s happiness and friendships, our partners ability to contribute emotionally and financially, and of course, our own ability to work and to parent (whatever that balance).

So when is the right time to ask for help? Well, the answer is – whenever you feel that you’re getting to the end of what you yourself know what to do, to try or to think. We’re designed as people to learn both intuitively (by being creative ourselves) and also to learn from each other.

If your parents, friends or family are not in a position to equip you further with parenting, progressing in your work, resolving a relationships issue, getting clear about the life you want to be living, then perhaps a conversation with a full-time life-coach or counsellor might deliver the relief and the solutions you long for.

The newest type of fast-result counselling is called Human Givens therapy. It’s based on the fact that every person has a set of emotional needs that, when they’re met healthily, it’s almost impossible for that person to feel anything other than strong, resourced, equipped, positive and empowered.

The simplicity of the conversations and the speed of the results is attracting interest from those with a range of issues: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, stress and poor sleep. And also those who want quick solutions with blended families, marriage, parenting, finances, sporting high performance, recovery from bereavement and rich life choices.  Jennifer Broadley from Healthy Chat, Dundee is a Human Givens therapist, counsellor and coach. T: 01382 200786 W: www.HealthyChat.co.uk. Jennifer will be delighted to speak in confidence to anyone who’d like to hear more about the Human Givens approach.

• PSYCHOTHERAPY • COUNSELLING • COACHING Fast, effective and long-lasting CALL OR EMAIL NOW:

T: 01382 200786 E: jennifer@healthychat.co.uk www.healthychat.co.uk

12 | Families Fife Issue 24

Birthing control

ÊÊ Bonnie Ewan

H

ypnoBirthing has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to high profile celebrities like Nadia Sawalha, Giselle Bunchen, and more recently, Kate Middleton, successfully using the technique.

As time passes, more and more aspects of the philosophy of HypnoBirthing are being brought into hospitals and birth centres around the UK. They are recognising that a relaxed atmosphere helps labour progress and minimises discomfort for the mother, they advocate birthing pools, dim lighting and relaxing music.

The HypnoBirthing Course however, guarantees to put birthing mothers back in control of their labour and birthing’s. It ensures the best chance of them achieving a safe, calm, more comfortable birth for themselves and their baby.

HypnoBirthing is a complete childbirth education programme for expectant couples.

Contrary to the name, hypnosis is just one aspect of the course. Psychology, physiology, pre natal bonding, nutrition, birth preference preparation, relaxation techniques, and, of course, labour itself are amongst the things covered.

Bonnie Ewan, who has been teaching HypnoBirthing in and around Fife for seven

A unique approach to childbirth preparation that’s as individual as you are roz@yogabellies.co.uk www.birthrocks.co.uk

years says: ‘ It is an education, and should be available to all women expecting a baby.

When I had my first child 11 years ago it was not an enjoyable experience. Completing the HypnoBirthing Course with my second pregnancy three years later empowered me. I really trusted that my body knew how to give birth, easily and comfortably. I practised the relaxation techniques religiously and avoided anything that portrayed birth as a negative event, something to fear, as I didn’t want my newly positive outlook towards birth tainted - I knew this could affect me on the day of giving birth. My second birth was fantastic, and just like my third and fourth births was completely unmedicated, calm, and comfortable, I was in control at all times’.

HypnoBirthing classes are taught from The Space Upstairs Burntisland High Street. Groups of up to six couples. Or private sessions in your own home are also available.  For more information or to book a HypnoBirthing Course: www.hypnobirthfife.co.uk

Perth Breastfeeding Groups ÊMondays Ê Fairfield Neighbourhood Centre, Perth 2 - 3.30pm ÊWednesdays Ê AK Bell Library Perth 10 - 12 noon ÊFridays Ê Letham Sports Centre, Perth 10 - 12 noon These groups help to enable mums to meet up for peer support and also get help & advice from professionals in all aspect of Breastfeeding. 

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Clubs and classes Celebrating Shakespeare

T

his term the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy will be taking part in National Shakespeare Week, participating in programmes, themes and stories promoted by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust in honour the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth this April.

They will be exploring and enacting some of the Bard’s most exciting and stimulating plays to find adventure, intrigue, sensation, disguises, monsters, battles, storms, mistaken identity, clowns, shipwrecks, witches and even a few happy endings.

The Primary children will all be given a “Passport to Shakespeare” where they will be able to record their Shakespearean journey: they will learn some Shakespearean insults, greetings, tongue twisters and table manners – and they will – we hope- survive a Tempest.

The Youth Theatre students have some stage fighting to look forward to – they will see ghosts, chat with witches, connect with an Elizabethan audience – and behave like groundlings – and they will agonise with Macbeth about the Meaning of Life. 

Nutritionist?

Horticulturalist?

Celebrity chef?

If you would like to find out more about National Shakespeare week, visit: www.shakespeareweek.org.uk or www.helenogradyeastcentralscotland.co.uk

Clubs news Jo Jingles run fun,

At Sparkle Arts we encourage children aged 1-5 to develop and learn through a fun mix of music, dance and drama. Our classes bring subjects to life to accelerate learning, whilst building confidence and improving social skills. It’s a creative education that will make little minds sparkle and teach children skills that will last a lifetime.

interactive, educational music and movement classes for babies and children from 3 months to age 4. We have age specific classes and activities which include singing, percussion instruments, dancing, action songs, props like pom poms, parachute, streamers, bubbles and much much more.

Due to popular demand we are launching new classes in Mind and Body Studio in Kirkcaldy starting on Thursday 17th April. There will be a Family Time class (mixed ages from walking

Go online to find out more and book a class.

sparklearts.co.uk make learning fun.

D

e ev

l

t through Dram n e m a op

to age 5) at 2pm and a Jingle Baby class (3 months to walking) at 3pm.

The first session will be FREE for everyone so if you’d like to book a place please e-mail jojinglesfife@hotmail.co.uk, call Julie on 01383 734080 or visit our Facebook page www.facebook. com/jojinglesfife We are also available to run sessions at nurseries, playgroups and toddler groups. Or if you’re looking for something different for your little one’s birthday get in touch to find out about our party packages.

All details are on our website www.jojingles.com/fife

Classes in Perth, Kinross and Fife

01382 330052

www.helenogrady.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Issue 24 Families Fife | 13

Out and About Clubs news (continued)

March & April 2014

under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please book at info@makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk or calling 07920 865013.

General yoga - Tuesdays 8 – 8.55pm @ Inverkeithing Civic Centre Wednesdays 7-7.55pm @ Carnegie Hall, Dunfermline Pregnancy yoga Tuesday 7 – 7.55pm (shorter) @ Inverkeithing Civic Centre Wednesday 8-9.15pm (longer) @ Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Contact: Susannah Dean Tel: 01383 413121 or www.theyoga.com

Beatrice Works Exhibition by Sue Jane Taylor Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Sutherland based artist Sue Jane Taylor has created a stunning series of prints and large scale drawings, tracing the development of the world’s first deepwater turbines.

Ongoing children’s activities including making pinwheels, racing balloon cars and colouring ocean scenes. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. www.onfife.com

Childrens Classic Concerts Junk Trunk The Rothes Halls Glenrothes Join in the fun as they turn household junk into funk. Workshop places are free, but limited and must be pre-booked, please contact the booking office. 6pm / £7 (Conc £5) www.onfife.com

Yoga with Susannah Dean

Turtletots are delighted to announce new classes in Levenmouth/Cupar/East Sands starting from April. Contact Gill to find out more on 07753807188 or gill.currie@ turtletots.com Meanwhile, check out their classes in the following locations to suit you. Carnegie Leisure Centre Sunday mornings (8 -9.30) and Thursdays 1-2 Cowdenbeath Saturday 9-11, Tuesday 2-4, Friday 11-12 Kirkcaldy Pool Sunday 10.30-12 and Wednesday 9.3010.30 Michael Woods Centre, Glenrothes Monday 10.30-12 and 2-3, Sunday 2.30-3.30 Bowhill Leisure Centre Saturday 9-10. 

Fife Science Festival

14th - 23rd March 2014 Venues throughout Fife oin us for a Fife wide celebration of science. With hands-on family fun days, science busking, exciting lectures and demonstrations, town centre drop-ins and an interactive schools programme there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

J

For further information, see the What’s on section or go to www.fifesciencefestival.org.uk

Saturday 1st March - Sunday 13th April

From Saturday 1st March Power to the People Methil Heritage Centre, Methil. Exploring our relationship with energy sources, old and new, this exhibition examines how we’ve used the planet’s resources to power our industries and our homes. Features unique interactives for the whole family.

Cycling on the road skills training with Sustrans 10:30am-12:30pm, Saturdays 1st, 8th and 22nd March. Meeting for the first session at Ravenscraig Park. These sessions will help you build up your skills and confidence for cycling on the road. These are suitable for anyone who has attended the cycling basics session or for people who are already confident with key cycling skills (e.g. controlled braking, gears). Please book a space in advance by contacting Susan at susan.

jeynes@sustrans.org.uk or on 07920 865013.

Saturday 1st March Brass and Bongos family workshop The Perth Concert Hall Tempted to try the tuba?

Bonkers for the bongos? Dying to have a go on a Djembe? This is the workshop for you! Places are limited so early booking is advised - no experience required. 11am + 2pm / £5.50; no concessions. www.horsecross.co.uk Jack & Jill Market Dunfermline The Vine Conference Centre, Garvock Hill, Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 4JU You will find 40 stalls and a large item gallery with bargains on quality nearly-new baby & kids items (0-9yrs). Adults £1.50 entry - Kids FREE. 10.30am - 1.00pm. www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Perth farmers' market King Edward Street, King Edward Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5UT. 10am - 2pm.

www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk Your Roots, Your Rocks Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Organized by The Ecology Centre, Fife, this event is open to all, with activities suitable for adults and children.

Activities including experiments to identify rock types, crafts, games and a selection of Fife’s finest fossils! All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 10 am-3 pm

www.onfife.com Tuesday 4th March Family-friendly bike rides 2pm with Sustrans Dunnikier Park, by the sports pitches at Kirkcaldy High School. These leisurely 30-40min rides are suitable for all ages and abilities, although children

14 | Families Fife Issue 24

Friday 7th March

Saturday 8th March Cycling on the road skills training with Sustrans 10:30am-12:30pm, Saturdays 1st, 8th and 22nd March. See entry for 1st March.

Tuesday 11th March Family-friendly bike rides 2pm with Sustrans Dunnikier Park, by the sports pitches at Kirkcaldy High School. See entry for 4th March.

Saturday 15th March I am Unique St Andrews Museum Create a unique necklace, containing your very own extracted DNA, to take home! This free family workshop is sponsored by the Dundee Science Centre. Booking essential. 01334 659380. 1 pm-2:00 pm or 2.30 pm-3:30 pm Rothes Halls Family Fun Day 10am - 4pm Glenrothes Fife Science Festival From Flintlocks to Rifles 2pm - 3pm Dunfermline Fife Science Festival Jack & Jill Market Perth Bell’s Sports Centre, Hay Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5HS. You will find stalls and a large item gallery all bursting with bargains on quality nearly-new baby & kids items (0-9yrs). You can't afford to miss it and miss out! Adults £1.50 entry - Kids FREE. 10.30 - 1pm

www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Secret Egypt at Perth Museum Unravelling truth from myth. From 15 March until 25 May. FREE. For further information on our exhibitions and education programme for schools go to: www.pkc.gov.uk/museums.

See page 5 for details.

Rollerbeats Roller disco Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre 16.25-17.40 Hire skates (£1) or bring your own. info@rollerbeats.co.uk Mobile: 07866 553329

Sunday 16th March 3-2-1 Strawrockets! Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Family workshop, children can make and launch their own "straw rocket" to explore air power, aerodynamics and Newton's Three Laws of Motion as they apply to renewable energy. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential tel: 01592 583 204. 12 pm-2:00 pm www.onfife.com Inside Out! St Andrews Museum Ever wondered what it looks like inside a diamond? 2:00 pm-3:00 pm Booking essential.

01334 659380

Tuesday 18th March Room 40: Decoding Before Bletchley 7.30pm - 8.30pm (Burntisland)

www.familiesfife.co.uk

familiesfife.co.uk/whatson Saturday 22nd March Science Day Methil Heritage Centre As part of its Power to the People exhibition, Methil Heritage Centre will be taking part in Fife Science Week with a full day of free children’s event on 22 March. 11:30 am-4:15 pm Animal Madness - Sat 22nd March 10am - 12pm (St Andrews) Fife Science Festival event Cycling on the road skills training 10:30am-12:30pm, Saturdays 1st, 8th and 22nd March. See entry for 1st March.

Sunday 23rd March Fife Science Festival Family event The Earthship Fife Visitor Centre, Kinghorn Loch Try your hand at transforming used plastic drinks bottles into flowers, windmills, birdfeeders, spiders and rockets. Then learn all about Scotland’s only Earthship – a fully autonomous, self-sustaining building with our close up quiz and tour. 12-4pm The Secret Life of Suitcases The Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy 10.30am + 1.30pm / £5.50, conc £4.50 Also 24th March – Lochgelly Centre, 25th March - Carnegie Hall Dunfermline & 26th March Rothes Halls Glenrothes. www.onfife.com

Saturday 29th March Celeste's Circus Puppet Animation Festival Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy. 10am + 2pm, £5.50 (Concs. £4.50). www.onfife.com

Tuesday 1st April Two Can Toucan The Carnegie Hall Dunfermline. 11am & 2pm, £5.50 (Concs. £4.50). www.onfife.com

Wednesday 2nd April All the Fun of the Fair Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Roll up! Roll up! Make a fun piece of art using a variety of materials. Participants should wear old clothes. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30 am-noon (5-7 years) or 1:30-3:00 pm (8-12 years) / Cost: £3 per participating Booking essential. 01592 583206. www.onfife.com Gingerbread Man Puppet Animation Festival The Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy 11am / £5.50 (Concs. £4.50) www.onfife.com

Thursday 3rd – Sunday 6th April Singing Kettle Fantastic Funfair The Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy Roll up, roll up for The Singing Kettle’s most amazing adventure yet.www.onfife.com

Thursday 3rd April The Little Princess Goldtree Carnegie Hall Dunfermline 11 am & 2pm / £5.50 (Concs. £4.50) www.onfife.com

Friday 4th April Albert's Amazing Acrobatic Flea Circus Lochgelly Centre 11am & 2pm / £5.50 (Concs. £4.50)

www.familiesfife.co.uk

www.onfife.com My City Rothes Halls Glenrothes 11am / £5.50 (Conc £4.50) www.onfife.com

Saturday 5th April Adventures from The Odyssey Puppet Animation Festival Lochgelly Centre 11am / £5.50 (Concs £4.50)

www.onfife.com Perth farmers' market King Edward Street, King Edward Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5UT. 10am - 2pm

www.perthfarmersmarket.co.uk Monday 7th April The Golden Princess Carnegie Hall Dunfermline 11am & 2pm / £5.50 (Concs. £4.50) www.onfife.com

Tuesday 8th April Oscar and the Lost City of the Incas Lochgelly Centre 11am & 2pm / £5.50 (Concs. £4.50) www.onfife.com Pitter-Patterned Animals Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Come along and crate your very own patterned Easter animal using simple printing techniques. Participants should wear old clothes.Places for “Pitter-Patterned Animals” Booking essential.

Tel: 01592 583206. 10:30 am-noon (5-7 years) or 1:30-3:00 pm (8-12 years) / £3 per participating child (or £2.50 per participating child with a Fifestyle card)

www.onfife.com The Sorcerer's Apprentice Rothes Halls Glenrothes 11am / £5.50 (Conc £4.50) www. onfife.com

Wednesday 9th & Thursday 10th April Fleur Darkins's Innocence Lochgelly Centre £5.50 (Concs. £4.50) www.onfife.com

Thursday 10th April Sweet Science Arts and Crafts St Andrews Museum Join us for a family-friendly crystal celebration that will enable children to explore themes found throughout the exhibition. This event is free, but places in either of the “Sweet Science Arts and Crafts” timeslots must be pre-booked by calling 01334 659380.

All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:30am - noon (5-7 years) or 1:00-2:30 pm (8-12 years)

Saturday 19th April to Monday 21st Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Falkland Palace & Garden Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize just for you! 11am4pm (1-4pm Sun) / £1 per trail plus usual garden entry. www.eastereggtrail.com/

Falkland-Palace.aspx Saturday 19th April & Sunday 20th April Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Kellie Castle & Garden, Pittenweem Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize just for you! 12-4pm / £2 per trail.

www.eastereggtrail.com/Kellie-Castle.aspx Saturday 19th April Halbeath Easter Eggstravaganza Halbeath Community Centre Dunfermline Free Easter Egg hunt for children of all ages.

The event include a table top sale, tombola, refreshments, face painting, car wash and much more. 10.00am - 12.30pm

Sunday 20th April to Monday 21st April Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse Cupar Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize just for you! 12-4pm / £2 per trail.

www.eastereggtrail.com/Hill-of-TarvitMansionhouse.aspx Sunday 20th April Jack & Jill Market Glenrothes Michael Woods Sports & Leisure Centre, Viewfield, Glenrothes Fife, KY6 2RD You will find stalls and a large item gallery with bargains on quality nearly-new baby & kids items (0-9yrs). Adults £1.50 entry - Kids FREE. 10.30 - 1pm / £1.50 for adults

www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Tuesday 29th April The Adventures of Robin Hood Carnegie Hall Dunfermline Come along in advance of the show and make you own Robin Hood hat at our activity table! 1.30 & 7pm / £7 (Concs. £5)

www.onfife.com 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.

Monday 14th April The Little Red Hen Adam Smith Theatre Kirkcaldy 11am / £5.50 (£4.50)

www.onfife.com Friday 18th April to Monday 21st April Cadbury Easter Egg Trail Culross Palace Follow the clues, answer the questions and complete the challenges to find your way to a prize just for you!

12-4.15pm / Trail free with usual entry.

Is your next local Jack & Jill Market on this weekend? www.jackandjillm arket.co.uk Scotland’s Quality Nearly-New Baby & Children’s Market

www.eastereggtrail.com/Culross-Palace.aspx

Issue 24 Families Fife | 15