Families Central Scotland Mar-Apr 2016 Issue 33

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

FREE Issue 33 Mar/April 2016

In this Issue

• Easter holidays • Nursery feature • Out and about

Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo Now serving fresh homemade soup, Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream flavours every day from 10am until 5pm.

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

Easter Activities Monday 4 – Friday 15 April 2016

Come along and join in the fun with our full programme of Sports and activities, crafts, swimming, movies + more!

Check our website out for further details...

www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

A fun-filled family day out!

Saturday 9th April

The Pirate and Princess Treasure Hunt 1.30pm and 2.30pm

Join the Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre.

Follow the clues with the Pirate gang to find Captain Barbarossa’s treasure then share the bounty.

Children must be accompanied by an adult over 16yrs.

Pirate and Princess Parade 3.30pm

The parade leaves the bandstand area at 3.30pm. All Pirates and Princesses, young and old, are invited to dress up, bring flags or banners and enjoy the fun. Prizes for all!

face-painting, story-telling , arts & crafts and much more throughout the town centre from 11am For more information visit www.falkirkdelivers.com

On-Street Pirate Capers with captain barbarossa and his crew

Central Scotland’s

really useful magazine

for busy families of

children age 0-12

FREE

Issue 33 Mar/April 2016

In this Issue

• Easter holidays • Nursery feature • Out and about

Welcome to the March/April issue of Families Central Scotland magazine. This issue has a fabulous nursery feature with an article on how to choose a nursery or playgroup for your child and information from lots of our great local nurseries.

We have an Easter feature to give you information about what is on locally to do with the kids and a wee article on how to organise a fun Easter egg hunt! On page 17 you will find our ‘Tips for long car journeys’ article which is essential reading if you are planning an - “are we there yet??” trip, and as always we have our parent to parent interview, local news and views and great out and about guide.

Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours!

Now serving fresh homemade soup, Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream flavours every day from 10am until 5pm.

Glen Farm Glen Tel. 01324 630703Village Falkirk FK1 3AA www.themilkbar n.co.uk

www.familiescentra

lscotland.co.uk

editor@familiescent

ralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

Fiona & Louise the editors contact us

To advertise with us or have your event listed in our magazine email editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk Bookings are now being taken for our May/June issue – deadline for all adverts and editorial 1st April.

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/FamCS twitter @FamiliesCentral and visit our website for our What’s On, more articles and our local directory www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

contents Local news and views............................ pages 4-5 Easter holiday feature............................. pages 6-9 Nursery feature....................................pages 10-15 Parent to parent............................................page 16 Tips for long car journeys........................page 17 Out and about......................................pages 18-19 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

- Lamb Designs

Printers

- J Thomson Colour Printers

Front Cover Picture

- Moira Lizzy Photography - 07974 177445

www.moiralizzie.co.uk

Families Central Scotland is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Any original materials are sent at the owners risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

Give your kids an energy boost If your kids walk to school they will arrive more alert and ready to learn.

Take the Right Route

Interested in wildlife? Love the outdoors? Join the RSPB for a wild weekend!

Join RSPB Scotland for a wild day out that the whole family can enjoy at Scotland’s Big Nature Festival this spring! The wildlife event is returning to Levenhall Links in Musselburgh on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May. Visitors will be treated to a packed programme of hands-on workshops, guided walks, talks and birdringing demonstrations, as well as exciting activities like pond-dipping, mini-beast hunts and storytelling for the kids. We will be joined during the weekend by presenters from children’s TV including Rory Crawford, who co-presents a show about children and animals and boasts that he can identify the poo of over 20 species!

Take a stroll along the coast or through the woodland at Levenhall Links to see some local wildlife before joining the RSPB for an action packed day in the great outdoors. With seabird cruises, tantalising food and drink and live music on offer, Scotland’s Big Nature Festival is not to be missed! Little ones (under 5s) get into the event for free and make sure you book early to take advantage of our half price early bird ticket offer (T’s & C’s apply). The event is easily accessed by bus, rail and car, and tickets are on sale now at: bignaturefestival.org.uk Ticket prices: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £2 children, under 5’s go free.

Members discount. Opening hours: 10 am until 5.30 pm daily.

Off the Page Book Festival, Stirling Stirling libraries ‘Off the Page’ book festival will be returning on the 6th to 16th May. There will be a variety of events and talks from authors, aimed at both children and adults. These events will be coming to a library near you in the Stirling and surrounding areas, so keep the dates in your diaries. Watch out for information in your local library or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/offthepagefestival

Turtle Tots Swimming Classes Turtle Tots is a unique and innovative swimming programme that begins with aqua-natal yoga for mums-to-be, and continues with specialist and progressive baby and toddler swimming classes. Our classes are fun and sociable. Taught in warm water pools to ensure everyone’s comfort, your little one will learn water confidence and essential life saving skills, whilst developing physically, emotionally and socially.You can join our aqua-yoga classes from 14 weeks of pregnancy onwards, and our baby classes as soon as you are ready after your baby is born. Or come along later with your older baby or toddler. Classes available in Stirling, Dunblane and Larbert. For more information contact Kirsty on 07855 395899, email float@turtletots.com or visit www.turtletots.com

‘Natural’ play equipment & cable ride Farmer’s Den Tea Room’ complete with homebaking and hot and cold food Tractor go-karts Giant Jumping pillows Farm animals Children’s Children parties Tractor & trailer rides round the farm (£1 per person)

Following success in Larbert, Stenhousemuir and Grangemouth, Falkirk’s Take the Right Route initiative is being rolled out in the Graeme High School cluster area of Falkirk. Funded by the Scottish Government, Take the Right Route aims to reduce traffic congestion and car dependence by promoting active and sustainable travel – in Larbert and Stenhousemuir the project saw walking levels rise by 21% and car driver trips fall by 19.4%.

Schools will be hosting events such as cycle training and walk to school events and local businesses are being invited to sign up to a ‘Workplace Challenge’ where employees will be supported to take part in events and training throughout March that encourage more walking, cycling, car sharing and use of public transport, helping to reduce car usage.

To Take the Right Route visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/ taketherightroute or to register for the Workplace Challenge visit http://catca.getmeactive.org.uk To find someone to car share with visit www.tripsharefalkirk.com

Our qualified teachers create individual tutoring programmes for your child, using proven Kip McGrath methods. ulating!

Tutoring at Kip is fun and stim

To find out more, call our STIRLING CENTRE OPEN FEBRUARY TO NOVEMBER

01786 474 818

stirling@kip-mcgrath.com www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

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families central scotland / issue 33

Professional Tutoring in Maths and English Call TODAY for a free assessment

Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema There are plenty of familyfriendly events at the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema, which returns to the Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness from 16-20 March. Highlights include a Sunday afternoon screening (on 20 March) of the first ever screen version of JM Barrie’s classic children’s story Peter Pan (from 1924), with a live score by harpist Elizabeth Jane-Baldry. Also on offer that afternoon are a triple bill of hilarious short films from the world’s best loved comedy duo, Laurel and Hardy – From Soup to Nuts, We Faw Down and Liberty. And on the Saturday morning you can catch an uproarious double bill – a world premiere of the new restoration of Buster Keaton’s My Wife’s Relations, and A Pair of Tights, a little known gem by Anita Garvin and Marion Byron. For full programme details, visit the website at hippfest.co.uk

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

o Kids g free!*

Travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum.

The Scribbler’s Picnic

Open Easter - October www.bkrailway.co.uk Registered charity SC002375

Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ

*one child free with each full paying adult with this ad not valid with any other offer.Valid any day until end April 2016 ref famcent

Tickets are now on sale for Stirling’s biggest and best music festival and charity family fun day - The Scribbler’s Picnic - being held on Sunday 8th May – 12 noon til 8pm. The unique music event, which is run entirely by volunteers, will feature hundreds of musicians covering a broad array of music across the day in the grounds of Stirling Rugby Club. It runs under the tagline ‘Musicians Helping the Fight Against Cancer’ and is run in association with Stirling and Bridge of Allan Round Table. To purchase tickets visit www. scribblerspicnic.co.uk For your chance to win tickets to the event over the forthcoming months please visit Facebook/ scribblerspicnic or find us on Twitter.

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts Bunny’s been up to his old tricks again! He’s left clues at lots of National Trust for Scotland places across the country. Join us from Good Friday to Easter Monday for lots of family fun.

Let your kids follow the clues, solve the puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.

Each Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt is different – the perfect excuse to try your hand at more than one!

The Battle of Bannockburn

Alloa Tower

Culross Palace

You’ll find everything you need to know at

www.nts.org.uk Tel: 08453133252 | sandra@rugbytots.co.uk

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

5

easter holidays

There are lots of great things happening locally this Easter, read on so you don’t miss out on all the fun!!

When the kids are ready to let off steam – make tracks for Loch Katrine!

There’s always something memorable about family days out in the great outdoors- and when it comes to finding spaces for adventure – they don’t come on a much grander scale than The Great Trossachs Forest! At its heart is one of the most popular destinations when it comes to finding a place to let children go exploring – Loch Katrine.

Loch Katrine is the starting point for so many different experiences – from walking by the loch shore, through to family cycling expeditions, and of course the opportunity to enjoy a sail on the legendary steamship Sir Walter Scott (or the modern cruiser Lady of the Lake).

This really is the best way to enjoy the stunning scenery which was shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago, and to discover the story of how the loch itself has supplied Glasgow’s tap water since the middle of the 19th century. Look out for ospreys and otters, and see if you can spot the wild goats on the shore during your cruise! Sailings depart from Trossachs Pier, which is easy to reach from all across Central Scotland, and where visitor facilities include The Brenachoile Café Bar and Restaurant. Details of all sailing times are available at www. lochkatrine.com Family Cycling Stirling – Easter Bonanza!

Recyke-a-bike has teamed up with CTC Scotland and Stirling Cycle Hub to bring you a fantastic family cycling event this Easter, which means lots of bike and cycling related fun for all the family!

Fun stuff - Hunt for Easter eggs, bring your bike, try some bike arts and crafts,

6

brave the pump track and test your skills.

Safety stuff - Try out family cycling options - baby seats, trailers, tag-alongs and more.

Get your own bikes safety checked by Doctor Bike. Ask advice from qualified cycle instructors, as well as meeting super cycling families and hear how they make cycling part of their family life.It’s all completely free of charge, at the super safe off-road, car-free venue of Wallace High School. Saturday 26th March, 10am to 2pm at Wallace High School, Airthrey Road, Stirling, FK9 5HW. Come along and join the fun!

Easter at Macrobert Arts Centre At Macrobert Arts Centre there are events and activities for all ages to make sure you and your family have an ‘eggcellent’ time this Easter.

With free entry and open daily, the Tesco Bank School Art Exhibition (Tue 1 Mar – Wed 25 May) is the chance to enjoy a selection of work created by the artists of tomorrow. Or come and join Shadow in Swoosh (Fri 1 Apr, 11am & 2pm), in this brand new underwater adventure for 0-5 years.

For more chances to get involved there are a range of family workshops for pre-school children and their grown-ups.

From loud music, lively dance, or story adventures, there’s lots of fun to be had from Monday 4 – Thursday 7 April. For older children the Film & Drama Easter School will keep them pre-occupied for the full week, giving them the chance to get in front of the camera or work behind the scenes (Monday 11 – Friday 15 April). For further information visit macrobertartscentre.org or call the Box Office on 01786 466666.

The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway & Museum of Scottish Railways – fun for the kids Make the most of your visit to central Scotland’s family friendly steam railway and museum when their 2016 season starts on 19 March. Come travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum. You can show your old fashioned ticket to the Guard, he may even let you help him clip it on the journey! Watch the engine being coupled

families central scotland / issue 33

up to the carriages … is it really magnets that hold them together? Be Harry Potter in a compartment carriage with its own sliding door. Then enjoy some spotting fun on the Visitor Trail to the Museum and have fun sorting letters in the Travelling Post Office in the Museum. Come along and have a great day out! Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway, Union Street, Bo’ness EH51 9AQ www.bkrailway.co.uk The Milk Barn

Come and enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream at the The Milk Barn, we have 18 different flavours on display. We also have soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy free sorbets and frozen yoghurt. All our Ice Cream is gluten free and egg free (unless cake or biscuit is in the added flavouring).

The Milk Barn is situated on a working dairy farm, and is very child friendly with indoor and outdoor play areas. Enjoy a fun, delicious day out for all the family and have a try at milking the fibre glass milking cow Glenda. We also serve sandwiches, baked potatoes, home baking etc. Open 10am to 5pm every day! Glen Farm, Glen Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA Contact 01324 630703 or visit www.themilkbarn.co.uk Falkirk’s annual Pirates & Princesses Parade The much loved Pirates and Princesses parade is back in town on Saturday 9th April. On-street Pirate capers, facepainting, story-telling, arts & crafts, how to be a pirate and princess etiquette lessons and much more from 12noon, featuring a town centre market from 11 – 4pm.

Captain Barbarossa and the crew will be meeting hopeful crew members on the High Street from 1.30pm. The parade leaves the bandstand area at 3.30pm. All Pirates and Princesses, young and old, are invited to dress up, bring flags or banners and enjoy the fun. Prizes for all!

Also ……Join the Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre commencing at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Follow the clues with the Pirate gang to find Captain Barbarossa’s treasure then share the bounty before he realises it’s gone. Children must be accompanied by an adult over 16yrs. For more information visit www. falkirkdelivers.com Fun for all the family at the Wallace Monument Visit The National Wallace Monument between 25th - 28th March for your chance to meet soldiers from the Battle of Stirling Bridge face to face in ‘Tales from the Battlefield!’

Set after The Battle of Stirling, a wounded soldier meets another fighter before discovering he is on the enemy’s side! Do they resume the fight – or do they realise that the battle is over? The Monument’s 2016 programme of events brings history to life with regular actor performances from March through to October.

In 2016 The National Wallace Monument will mark the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design with ‘A Victorian Masterpiece’ (24th – 26th June) - a special weekend with a Victorian theme celebrating the anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone in 1861. You can keep up to date with the 2016 programme of events by visiting www.nationalwallacemonument.com The Howgate, Falkirk There is always something on for families at The Howgate Centre in Falkirk. Our monthly Kids Club offers free children’s activities on the first Saturday of the month with additional events during school holidays. We have an exciting programme planned this year offering a mixture of character appearances, sing-a-long shows, crafts and sport activities.

Visitors to the centre will notice a few changes this year with some exciting new retailers due to open in the coming months. We already have fantastic independents in INDY on level 3 including, Comics, Trading Cards & Collectables and Create-A-Bear who hold birthday parties and workshops on site. There will be Easter holiday fun at The Howgate on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March – giant rabbits, Easter chick hunt, Easter crafts and storytelling! Keep up to date with what’s on by liking our Facebook page at www. facebook.com/intohowgate where you will also have the chance to enter our regular competitions and hear the latest centre news and offers.

easter holidays Exciting Interactive & Fun The most original musical baby & toddler classes on the planet

Classes held in Falkirk and Stirling Please contact Lynsey T: 07914023928 E: lynsey@hartbeeps.com Facebook: hartbeepsfalkirk Twitter: HartBeepsFalk

www.hartbeeps.com New classes in Dunblane and Stirling

Come out of your shell and learn to swim the Turtle Tots way E-mail: float@turtletots.com or call 07855 395899 www.turtletots.com

WE

’V

Ple E M as O new e not VED loc e our ! atio n.

Thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge Fund our Cycling Links project is making it easier for families to cycle safely together for transport, health and most importantly fun. Free services include:

Cycle training for all ages Family friendly led rides Family fun days and cycle events Bike doctor safety checks Bike maintenance classes

www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk Alloa Road, Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5LN t: 01786 447 559 e: admin@recyke-a-bike.co.uk Scottish Charity No: SC036713 Scottish Company No: SC287632

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easter holidays Briarlands Farm

Lots of exciting things planned for 2016, from 25th - 28th March, ‘Pop up Fun’ with a daredevil High Rope Trail, included in the admission price and we will have more activities ‘popping up’ for summer ..

Zorbing Track, Climbing Wall and Spider Mountain – check website Events page for specific dates. We offer group visits for any group of people that would love a fun day out! Briarlands Farm also love to host birthday parties and can offer a fantastic indoor space for any celebration.

To make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun, why not buy a season pass! For more information and to see our range of events please visit our new website www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk or become a fan on Facebook to keep up to date!

Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with National Trust for Scotland

Easter Fun in Alloa

Looking for great family activities in Alloa this Easter? Head to the Speirs Centre Library in Alloa. Alloa Town centre BID will have The Amazing Bob Bonkers on Thursday 7th April. Also on Thursday 14th April, come along and meet the bearded dragon and the pygmy hedgehog along with other animals from Zoo Lab. Zoo Lab will be providing show/ tell & handling sessions. There will also be face painting from Amy’s Funky Faces.

Each week there will be 2 shows, 11am12 & 12.30-1.30pm. These are ticketed events, and numbers are limited. Adults & Children £2 each.For tickets please visit atcbid.com/facebook or call in to the Speirs Centre Library, Primrose St, Alloa.

FK10 1JJ Falkirk Community Trust does Easter!

For the ninth consecutive year, the National Trust for Scotland has teamed up with Cadbury to host dozens of Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts across the country from Friday 25th to Monday 28th March.

The Easter Bunny has left clues to follow, and children can collect them, solve the puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.

Highlights include hunts at The Battle of Bannockburn experience, Alloa Tower and Culross Palace. Carly Lamberty, Marketing Manager said: “We’re getting cracking on our visitor season extra early this year, with lots of Easter fun thanks to our partnership with Cadbury. And every egg hunt helps us to look after the special places in our care.” Each of the hunts is completely different – the perfect excuse to try your hand at more than one! For details see www.nts.org.uk

8

This Easter, Falkirk Community Trust has a massive range of activities for the kids to get involved in. You can join your local library for some adventurous story times and craft sessions, catch a film at the Hippodrome, sample some tasty treats in the Georgian kitchen at Callendar House or sign up for some sporting fun with athletics, football, street dance, tennis and more! Visit our website for information on activities www.falkirkcommunitytrust. org and join in the chat online on Facebook @Falkirk Community Trust and Twitter @FCTrust

families central scotland / issue 33

Grangemouth Stadium’s Easter Startrack Encourage your budding athletes this Easter with Grangemouth Stadium’s Easter Startrack. Train like a pro and run on the actual Hampden track which has been graced by such athletes as Usain Bolt and Eilidh Child! The 5 - 8 years group is introduced to all athletics disciplines through fun skill sessions and games. They are taught the basic fundamentals of running, jumping and throwing which are techniques vital in most other sports. The 9 - 14 years group experience more advanced skills and technique sessions, with the introduction of visiting VIP athletes and coaches to give them a better understanding of what it takes to be a high level athlete. But most of all it’s an opportunity to meet new friends and have fun! Find out more at www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/sport or ring Grangemouth Stadium on 01324 504590

The cinema A visit to the cinema over Easter means fun for everyone. You can see great films for great prices at your local independent cinema. Families Central love Macrobert, Stirling www.macrobert. co.uk and the Hippodrome, Bo’ness www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/ hippodrome

First, the shopping list • Buy a few eggs per child. Look for packs that are cheaper than individual eggs.

• Find holders for the children to collect the eggs in such as paper bags, baskets plastic bowls or flower pots.

• Perhaps buy some small gifts as well as eggs - books or colouring pens.

• Make a list of where you have hidden all the eggs.

Keep up this fun tradition with your children this Easter Easter means different things to different people. But for the kids it is quite simple; it means time off school and plenty of Easter eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg Hunt with your children and their friends?

Don’t forget! Easter Sunday is March 27.

What is an Easter Egg Hunt?

The day before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups hide eggs and other treats around the house.

Then the kids have to find them on Easter morning. For many parents, the planning is almost as much fun as watching the kids finding the eggs and you can make it as simple or as complex as you like.

Some nice ideas to do the day before, especially if it’s raining Get the children to decorate the holders they will collect the eggs in. Decorate paper bags, line baskets with straw and tie on a ribbon and add a label with the child’s name on it to the pots.

Where can you do an Easter Egg hunt?

At home, inside the house - Great if the weather’s bad. Lock rooms that you don’t want the children in.

In the garden - If the weather’s fine, this is ideal. Put the eggs out in the morning. Why not make bunny footprints from flour or talc near each hidden egg?

In the woods - If you live near some open space, gather the kids in one area until the adults have planted the eggs and clues. Then let them loose!

easter holidays

Some ground rules So that the children all feel they have been treated fairly and for safety, it’s important to have some rules.

• When they have collected three eggs, they must come back to ‘base’ before going off again.

• Give the kids clear boundaries that they must not stray outside. If you’re outdoors, place small kids with grownups or older children for safety.

• Help kids get a fair share by collecting a different colour of eggs each –wrap them in coloured paper. Make those for the small kids easier to spot.

• Get older children to help younger ones.

• Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs as they find them – they have to bring them all back to base.

• Once the game is over, allow them to eat one or two and then the rest should be taken home.

Local Easter hunts • For a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt with National Trust for Scotland near you visit www.nts.org.uk Highlights include hunts at The Battle of Bannockburn experience, Alloa Tower and Culross Palace.

• The Easter bunny will be at Callendar House, Falkirk 26th-28th March for an Easter hunt in the walled garden.

EASTER Adventure & Fun for Everyone! y Sat 2 nd

h M a rc h t 26tth a S & h th 5 2 i r F

Giant s! rabbit

m: 11am-4 p a etting are p r u o it Vis ut o b more a and learn . s it b nt rab these gia

EEaster crafts and stor st oryytelling with A lice in Wonde d rland, the East er Bunny and the Mad Hatter!

Visit ou

r where lo craft market r showcasecal crafters Easte made gif their hand Chick ts!

Hunt!

The Howgate Centre, Falkirk FK1 1HG

April

Uncle Billy

From puppet shows to magic, ventriloquism to circus skills, come and join the fun.

Sat 7th

M ay

The Th h McDougalls McDougalls Silly Singalong

Musical fun with The McDougalls. Shows at 12pm, 1pm & 2pm in the Community Hub.

Sat 9 th

April

Pirate Pira Pi iratte & Princess Princes Parade

Visit our Swashbuckle event from 12-3pm and enjoy fun and games before the parade at 3pm.

Sat 4th

June

Crea Create-a-Bear C reatte-a-Bear workshops in INDY

12-3pm: Decorate your own mini bear and get your photograph taken with his or her special adoption certificate.

We will have lots more activities on during the Easter holidays, visit our website or our FB page for more details.

www.intohowgate.co.uk

Nursery feature

M

aking playdough at home is great fun with the kids and all you need are some simple ingredients you can pick up from any supermarket. We have included two recipes here, one that requires cooking and one that does not, so you can choose what works best for you. Please keep it away from pets ( as playdough is heavily laden with salt) and whilst it is non toxic, we wouldn’t recommend that your child puts any in their mouth so as always with young kids supervision is key!

Playdough that requires cooking • • • • •

1 cup plain flour ½ cup salt 2 tablespoons cream of tartar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 cup water with food colouring added

Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan, and stir over a medium heat until the dough forms into a ball. Allow to cool, and then knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.

Playdough that requires no cooking • • • • •

1 cup water 4 cups flour 2 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil 1 1/2 cups of salt food colouring

Pour water into a large mixing bowl. Next add food colouring.

Once you add the food colouring to the water, stir well. Add the dry ingredients (flour and salt) to the mix. Stir to begin blending the ingredients. Next add 2 to 4 tablespoons of oil. You can

add more oil later if the mix seems too dry. Oil is the secret to keeping this ‘no cooking required’ recipe soft! If you don’t add enough oil, the mix will be very crumbly. Begin mixing everything together. Knead the ingredients together until a soft dough is formed. Store in an airtight container.

Top Tip – why not try adding a small amount of glitter to the mix just before kneading the dough to create a sparkly effect. Messy – yes but so much fun!

Learn Happy.

Award winning nursery

beaconhurstnursery.com Contact Laura John Nursery Manager on 01786 832146 for more information, www.beaconhurstnursery.com

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families central scotland / issue 33

Nursery feature

Imagine a day care where the landscape changes daily?

We offer childcare and education for children aged 0-5yrs, an out of school club for children aged 5-12yrs and a holiday club during school holidays.

Keep imagining until Manor Farm Nursery “A Nature Kindergarten” opens in Winter 2016 Based in a beautiful old farmhouse with purpose built modern extension Also incorporating The Woodlanders After School Club

A child-centred approach to experiencial learning in a warm, caring and stimulating environment.

Please contact Carolyn Riddle at 4 McNabb Street Dollar 01259 742571 Email : info@dollarnursery.co.uk Website : www.dollarnursery.co.uk

Opening times: 7.30am-6pm Mon - Fri To request a brochure please contact the office on 01259 742571

climb trees jump in puddles

mar s toast hmall ows

mud

ve grow

kitch

en

ADVENTURE ~ SPIRIT ~ AWE ~ WONDER “There is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing” ~ Sir Ranolph Fiennes

“If we really want children to thrive we need to let their connection to nature nurture them” ~ Claire Warden

Manor Loan, Stirling FK9 5QD Email info@manorfarmnursery.com

lik fa e o fo cebo ur ro ff ok er s

What our parents say...

“All I can say about this nursery is that every single staff member is amazing, my daughter who is 3 in September has come on leaps and bounds, learning so much, building sentences, having more confidence in things. So proud of how far she has come and how the staff have helped her, I'm so glad and grateful that I chose this nursery for my daughter, daughte wouldn't chose any other one! ” Louise (Hallglen) Outdoor play:

“Nathan didn't stop talking about it last night he was so funny, he had such a great day and you were right, he slept really well, all the fresh air and mud wiped him out.” Nicola (Falkirk)

Acrewood has been established as a leading Private Day Nursery and After School Club for over 25 years and is registered with the Care Inspectorate. Acrewood cares for Children from birth to 5 years.

Acrewood offers free government funded places to children aged 3-5yrs. This entitles you to a free 600 hours of flexible childcare for eligible 3-5 year olds with the option of wrap around care if required.

Visit us online www.acrewoodnursery.com

Online Journals:

“ I have loved looking at all of the pictures and observations of my son This is a great way for me to stay in touch too.” Paula (Grangemouth)

Falkirk Football Stadium, FK2 9EE www.littlestarsnurseries.net Tel No: 01324 636377 Fantastic Location • Open Plan Layout Easy Drop Off • Parking • Close to motorway Within walking distance of the Helix

bles geta

y childcare offers qualit outh Club s.

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Bearheart Castle is a large soft play centre based on a castle theme, with ball pools, flumes, aerial slides and lots more. Available for childrens’ parties and school outings. Open every Saturday and Sunday and all Stirling school holidays.

Like our Facebook for future offers Acrewood Nursery, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK7 7PX, Scotland Tel: 01786 462621, Fax: 01786 446541. www.acrewoodnursery.com

11

Nursery feature

Choosing a nursery

What you need to know when choosing a nursery or playgroup

M

any mums return to work after their maternity leave finishes and choose to leave their baby in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-athome mum or dad, it’s likely that when your child is between the ages of two and three years old you will want her to start at a playgroup or nursery school – for both her benefit and yours. But how do you choose the right nursery for your baby?

You can usually get a list of local nurseries and playgroups from your local council, from your health visitor, local library, GP surgery or on the internet.

Speak with other mums about the nursery or playgroup you are most interested in, and go along and spend a morning at each group, together with

your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in these situations.

10 things to consider when choosing a nursery: 1. Are you and your child made to feel welcome and introduced to the nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to other children? Are you allowed to stay and watch at a time to suit you – not them?

2. Check out the space itself. The room may be a bleak church hall but have the staff made it look lively and interesting?

3. Does the nursery seem too crowded? Numbers are controlled by local authority regulations, and insurance policies, but some playgroups squeeze in extra children

Linlithgow Nursery Early opening at 7.30 Escort to/from Linlithgow school nurseries Newly re-furbished Baby Room Qualified and highly trained staff Ample on-street Parking

Linlithgow Bridge 01506 239 295 (Bo’ness

01506 828 007)

www.thekidzstop.co.uk

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families central scotland / issue 33

4. Is there somewhere for outdoors play on fine days? Are there books in a quiet corner where children can go and sit? Is there an interactive area, such as a nature table?

5. Check out the toys, equipment and art materials on offer. Are the same toys put out in the same area every day? (this is why it’s a good idea to visit more than once on random, different days) 6. Are there varied activities on offer (painting, sandpits, water play areas, Wendy house, play dough, building bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box).

Are these accessible all the time?

7. Do the children look excited and interested in the toys available?

8. Does the climbing equipment look well-maintained and is there a soft landing area?

9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with each other than with the children?

10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline, dealing with anxious children and free and structured play to see if their ideas are the same as yours.

The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around or charging up and down on bikes and cars shows a clear lack of organisation.

Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to do quite, creative activities or do they run about in gangs and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls encouraged to do physical play and large toy activities? Do boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical, energetic play, construction play and quiet creative periods with adult attention.

Nursery feature Dunblane Community Preschool • • • • •

High Quality Preschool Education Happy & Nurturing Environment Funded Places Available Qualified, Experienced & Caring Staff Preschool, Rising 3s, Toddler Groups, Baby Group Braeport Centre, Dunblane FK15 0AT T: 07920 249631 braeportplaygroup@googlemail.com www.dunblanecommunitypreschool.com

Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with lots of action rhymes and percussion and have all the children enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet or tidy up.

If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes to suit you and your child. If they don’t, then move on and find one that’s more in line with your requirements.

Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide parents-to-be and new parents with the very best medical and practical information. Visit www.emmasdiary.co.uk

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years • Graded Excellent in 7 areas by SCSWIS 2014 • Set in beautiful surroundings near Dunblane with ample 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

13

Nursery feature

Choosing a nursery or playgroup

Acrewood Nursery, Stirling Acrewood Nursery Complex is one of the largest in Scotland currently registered for 176 children.

Formed in 1991, Acrewood has been caring for children for over 25 years and provides a Day Care Service from Birth – 5years, Breakfast Club, After School Club from 5 years-12years, and Softplay Facility and Café all under the one roof . We ensure that the children in our care receive the best early learning and childcare we can provide, we value diversity and promote inclusion in an environment where everyone is welcome. At Acrewood we have a large garden and outdoor space, we view the garden as an extension of the nursery, which is why you may find us outside regardless of the weather! We are in partnership with Stirling Council and can offer your child 600 hours of free early learning and child care. This can be taken alone or as part of a wraparound care package. Applications for these places are now open. www.acrewoodnursery.com Arnhall Day Nursery, Dunblane We have been established in the beautiful rural surroundings of the Keir Estate, Dunblane for over 25 years and operate in partnership with Stirling Council. Awarded with our ECO Green Flag, we are also recognised by Investors in People, Children, and Young People.

Graded ‘excellent’ in 7 areas by the Care Inspectorate, we follow Curriculum for Excellence and Pre-Birth to Three planning.

Children from birth to 5 years receive high quality childcare by qualified staff; working closely with parents to ensure an excellent service is provided at all times. Following the NHS ‘Setting the Table’ guidelines and achieving a SOIL award, nutritional meals are provided by our in-house chef enabling your child to experience a variety of homemade foods. Open all year round between 7.30am and 6.30pm, children have access to our fabulous gardens/ outdoor classroom, enjoy woodland walks and weekly Forest Schools. Further details can be found at www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

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Beaconhurst Nursery, Bridge of Allan Beaconhurst School’s nursery has been awarded a top report from the Care Inspectorate.The Nursery, based in Bridge of Allan, was awarded Excellents in all four categories following an unannounced inspection.The report followed a validation inspection from the Care Inspectorate and means the Nursery maintains the outstanding results awarded at the last inspection in 2012. Nursery Manager Laura John is delighted with the report which describes staff as ‘highly motivated, enthusiastic and committed to meeting the needs of the children they care for.’ She said: “We are ecstatic to receive such a positive report from the Care Inspectorate and the comments really capture the essence of our nursery.”

The Report gives Beaconhurst the top Grade 6 in all categories and the Summary notes: ‘We found Beaconhurst continued to provide a high quality service to families. The staff team were committed to ensuring children were at the heart of everything that happened within the nursery.’ For more information about the Nursery, for children aged 3-5, visit www. beaconhurst.com Dollar Nursery, Dollar Dollar Nursery School is situated in the beautiful town of Dollar. The nursery is housed in a unique, homely property in the centre of the village. At Dollar Nursery School we believe that every child is unique, complex and individual. She/he is capable of helping to create opportunities for learning, development and play in partnership with adults and other children. Through caring, sharing and a sense of adventure we will bring out every child’s potential, confidence, strength and skills in an atmosphere of fun, warmth and safety.

We will be imaginative in creating a wide range of opportunities for cultural, social, emotional and intellectual development.

We have a large enclosed garden which is used regularly as an extension of our learning environment. Your child will have

families central scotland / issue 33

a book to capture all of their special moments during their time with us, as well as daily communication with staff. Visit our website at www.dollarnursery.co.uk or phone 01259 742571.

The Kidz Stop, Bo’ness and Linlithgow Welcome to The Kidz Stop where we have been caring for children for over 12 years. We are a family business that prides itself on maintaining the highest standards of care and education. We strive to offer a homely environment with small rooms and a personalised service. Our staff are carefully chosen for their caring personalities and passion for working with children. Our services include early opening from 7.30 to help parents beat the rush hour traffic and an escort service to and from the local school nurseries for 3-5 year olds. In 2010, 2011 and 2015 The Kidz Stop was voted runners up Nursery of the Year in Scotland by NDNA. If you would like to come and visit us call Pauleen at Linlithgow on 01506 239 295 or Caroline at Bo’ness on 01506 828007. www.thekidzstop.co.uk Little Stars, Falkirk, Alloa and Stirling Parents often miss their little ones when they are in nursery and always wonder what they are getting up to. But mums and dads of children at Falkirk’s Little Stars Nursery are now receiving live daily updates direct to their home or office. This is thanks to a substantial investment in the latest technology which enables staff to take pictures on one of ten iPads and send news and comments “as it happens” to a child’s individual and password-locked learning journal.

Owner Kevin GIlmartin said “With this technology, we can take pictures, capture a moment or record an activity and put that information in the child’s online profile which the parents can look at wherever they are. It’s a fantastic way for the parents to see what their children are doing, track their progress, and stay in touch throughout the day.” The addition of iPads has also been rolled out to Little Stars nurseries in Alloa and Stirling. Parents love

our open-plan nursery. It’s bright, modern, and homely. Deciding which nursery to put your child in is a big decision, but parents who come to see our facilities and read our inspection reports are delighted. Visit www.littlestarsnurseries.net Manor Farm, Manor Loan Manor Farm Nature Kindergarten is an exciting new day care service due to open its doors to the children of Stirling and Clackmannanshire in 2016. The nursery and after school club will see the concept of nature kindergarten and forest school being introduced to the area where a high proportion of the children’s’ day is spent outdoors, learning from the natural world around them. Very much a child led ethos where our highly experienced practitioners tune in to what children want to learn and can transfer this to the indoor environment without losing the awe that children find in nature play. Children need new experiences, new landscapes and new challenges within the comfort of people who will protect but encourage.

We encourage them to take risks, explore and talk about what’s around them. Based in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with a purpose built extension, the outdoors and indoors areas have been designed to compliment each other. Please contact info@manorfarmnursery.com to register your interest and to be kept up to date with developments.

Willowsgreen Nursery, Linlithgow Willowsgreen Nursery is a NEW, smallscale and high-quality children’s nursery in Linlithgow, where children aged between 2 and 5 will flourish. Our staff are highly-skilled and we maintain a high staff to child ratio allowing us to place greater focus on each child’s individual needs. We take a holistic approach to each child’s learning and development, providing unstructured play and structured activities based on the child’s own interests. Located beside Linlithgow Cricket Ground, our purpose-built nursery will be opening in early Spring 2016.We are extremely privileged to have full use of the green and tranquil Cricket grounds, in addition to our own private garden space. Our natural outdoor area encourages active explorers, budding gardeners and creative dreamers and we play outside in all kinds of weather! With only 25 places available we are now accepting enrolment enquiries for Spring 2016 at www. willowsgreennursery.co.uk or by email at hello@willowsgreennursery.co.uk or by telephone 01506 840700. Follow us on Facebook!

playgroups Dunblane Community Preschool

Based in the heart of Dunblane, we offer high quality preschool education for children aged from 2 ½ to 5 years old. Our preschool operates Monday to Friday from 9:15am - 12:30pm during term time and is led by our 3 fantastic Early Childhood Educators.

Our focus is on learning through play, using the Curriculum for Excellence as a framework for us to help children develop language, numeracy, coordination and creativity. We pride ourselves on providing a happy and nurturing environment for children in their preschool years, readying them for their transition to school.

We work in partnership with Stirling Council with funded places available from the term after your child’s 3rd birthday. We were delighted that our recent inspection report rated our preschool as ‘very good’ across all areas. For further information or to arrange a visit please call on 07920 249631 or visit our website at www. dunblanecommunitypreschool.com

Nursery feature

Zetland Nursery, Grangemouth At Zetland Nursery in Grangemouth we are committed to providing a high level of professional childcare, where we meet the needs of every child and their family. We provide quality care and education for children birth to 5 years in a relaxed, caring environment by experienced nursery staff. Zetland Nursery is conveniently situated in Grangemouth Town centre, with access to local transport and amenities including, Grangemouth library and Zetland Park.

We also have our own secure, enclosed nursery garden. We are open Monday to Friday 7.30am – 6pm, 51 weeks of the year.

Our package includes healthy breakfast, lunch and snack, all freshly prepared on the premises, nappies and wipes provided for under 3 year olds and flexible childcare.

Discounts up to £360 per year for all new registrations. To arrange a viewing please contact the Manager on 01324 486031 or zetland123@live.co.uk Zetland Nursery, Bo’ness Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8AF. www.zetlandnursery.com

Lochgreen Playgroup, Falkirk Funded Places still available for 3 year olds Lochgreen is a safe and happy environment to socialise, play and learn in. We offer a wide variety of stimulating experiences and activities, including the large outdoor learning space where children climb, explore and grow in confidence. Lochgreen is run by a fully qualified, experienced and friendly team in partnership with Falkirk Council. We follow the Curriculum for Excellence and complete Learning Journeys for every child to celebrate their achievements. Small numbers and high staff to child ratio make us the ideal place for your child to progress to school nursery. Our Pre-school nursery for 3 to 5 years is on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.00am - 12.10pm and Tuesday 12.15pm 3.25pm.Our 2’s Club ( to which parents accompany children ) is on Tuesday 9.00am - 11.00am and Thursday 12.30pm - 2.30pm. Toddlers is on Monday 1.00pm - 2.30pm. Lochgreen Playgroup 24a Slamannan Road, Falkirk. FK1 5LE. 01324 629676 www. lochgreenplaygroup.org.uk or find us on Facebook.

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parent to parent Hi, my name is Zoë Young and I run Boogie Beat music & movement in Stirling and Edinburgh. I’m a Stirling girl at heart and now live in Barnton with my husband Colin and our 2 year old son Angus. Boogie Beat classes are great fun for little ones from 6 months to 5 years. I base them on traditional nursery rhymes and classical fairy tales combined with a lively and active dance twist! For more info check out www. boogiebeat.co.uk

Why you like living where you do?

Stirling is a fantastic place for families, it has a little bit of everything from history with the amazing Stirling Castle to a fantastic Safari Park at Blair Drummond right on your doorstep.

Favourite shop I absolutely love Stons! The clothes are beautiful and great for a night out. However since having a little one you do discover new places: Good Green Fun is one of Stirling’s little gems! It is the most amazing shop if you have a family. It is a registered charity which specialises in reusing and recycling children’s toys, clothes, books and more.

Favourite park The Kings Park! It’s great for a play on the swings and in the sandpit and only a short walk from the town centre too.

Favourite children’s club/class Well, it has to be Boogie Beat music & movement! The themes are wonderfully classical and traditional and the children just love them. My little boy has been coming to Boogie Beat since he was 18 mths old and has loved it from the very beginning.

Favourite day out It has to be Briarlands Farm. I absolutely love this place! Not only is it an amazing venue to run Boogie Beat, it is the loveliest place to take your children to. There is a funyard, tractor rides, animals to feed and pet, indoor play and good coffee and cakes too.

Favourite child friendly restaurant One of my favourite restaurants is Bologna in Bridge of Allan. The menu is delicious and it has a lovely family feel to it too. The staff are welcoming and nothing is ever a problem even during a busy service. It is family friendly but still feels like a ‘grown up’ place at the same time.

No parent should be without A gro clock. I found this really helpful with sleep training especially when your little one moves from a cot to a bed. You can set the clock for the sun to rise and also for the sun to set and the stars to come out. It really helps little ones to know the difference between night and day and hopefully keep your little cherub in bed for when you need them to be!

Parenting pet hates People being too outwardly judgmental over parenting styles. Everyone is different and has different ways of bringing up their own children – and it can be easy to always think that one way is best. I think people normally find the route to get the balance right themselves, and it can be hard when people question you.

Best children DVD or tele programme Toy Story! I loved it when I was younger and Angus also really enjoys it. It’s a good film to watch as a family as there is plenty of adult humour in the movie too.

Most played with toys Angus got a keyboard as a Christmas present from his Granny and he has played with it every day since. There is a microphone attached to it and he sings the Boogie Beat songs into it which is very cute!

Biggest waste of money You always buy far too much when you are expecting your first baby as you have no idea what to expect or what you really need. I would recommend using Boots nursery advice service. As a first time mum, I found this so helpful.

Any other comment If you are considering which nursery to send your little one to, I highly recommend Old Doune Road and Lecropt Nurseries! I have loved working with Lorna and her team. Be sure to check out Bridge of Allan sports club either as a venue hire for your little ones party or for the excellent sports facilities. I have recently started running Boogie Beat classes and hosted parties here. If you are looking for something to do this Summer, make sure you check out the Stirling Fringe Festival! It is packed full of fun things to do and Boogie Beat will be there!

Zoe’s Local Recommendations Briarlands Farm, Blair Drummond Blair Drummond Safari Park Good Green Fun, Stirling Kings Park, Stirling Bridge of Allan Sports Club Lecropt Nursery, Bridge of Allan Bologna, Bridge of Allan

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families central scotland / issue 33

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Tips for Long Car Journeys with Kids

tips for long car journeys

5.

By JW Patrick

T

he key to successful long car journeys with kids is to think of it as part of your holiday and make sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance to spend family time together, to talk, to share each other’s music, to see new things and to visit new places and forge great memories. Every time you complete a journey that is actually fun for the children, the easier it will be to sell them on the idea next time

1. Treat the car journey as the start of your holiday (and not a chore) Make sure it is fun for the kids and as stressfree as possible for mum and dad.

2. Eliminate as much time related stress as possible In other words, try not to have a ferry crossing booked at the end of a 7 hour car drive. If you can, overnight near the terminal. If there’s no rush to get where you are going, there’s no need to get stressed about traffic or roadworks. Remember your holiday has already started.

3. Charge up your screens and other gadgets Buy or borrow at least one portable DVD player, Nintendo or iPod etc. Ensure every gadget is charged ahead of travelling and that you have enough travel leads and multi adaptors for everyone to use the 12v cigarette lighter socket. Obviously you don’t want the kids plugged in to screens for too long as they’ll never see where they have been. So ration their screen time and use it as a tool for rewarding good behaviour.

4. Take regular breaks Break up your journey regularly with picnics, walks and play areas. Fresh air and a runaround

6.

7.

8.

for the kids plus a power nap for the driver reduces stress all round.

Buy some journey presents (bribes)Buy some small presents, like Christmas stocking fillers, and wrap them up for the journey. Action figures, crayons, DVDs etc. Ensure they see the bag full of presents beforehand. You can then award a present (bribe) for milestones or legs of the trip achieved without arguing, fighting or tantrums Stock up with snacks OK, your back seat upholstery will take a bit of a hammering but snacks are so, so important. Pack a snack bag that can be pulled out when you sense that their attention and patience may be waning.

Play games and quizzes Kids have you all to themselves for once (and vice versa) so why not take advantage?

50 Games to Play in Cars is good.

(Usborne books) Our favourite is this number plate game: Take the letters from the number plate of the car in front of you and make up a proper sentence. Score points and prizes for cleverest or funniest etc. Nowadays, you can buy all sorts of spotter charts for particular landmarks and vehicles for the children to look out for. Car journeys are also a good opportunity to test their spelling and maths ability.

There are no distractions (for either of you) and they often enjoy this time, knowing you are not secretly checking your emails or texts.

Travel in convoy, if possible If you’re holidaying with friends or grandparents then, if possible, travel in convoy. It makes such a difference for them to see a new friend or face when you stop and gives them something else to look forward to.

9. Involve them in navigation Take with you a map or two and buy a couple of packets of ‘organiser’ sticky dots, one colour for each child. Tell them where they are heading to, where they are staying next, or are passing through and award them coloured dots to place on the map for whoever sees the town/ sea/river first. If you have SatNav, you’ll notice how quickly they fathom the concept of the map and soon become aware of how long it takes to travel from town to town.

10. Stock up on essentials such as baby wipes and water Lots of baby wipes are a must. As well as bottles of drinking water, we keep several big jerrycans of 5 and 10 litres of water in the boot, pretty much permanently.

Sooner or later you’ll be thankful you did too. (Spills, puke, poo, sand, mud etc.) We also keep a roll of black bin bags in the boot as sometimes a complete set of clothing or shoes needs separated from everything else until such time it can be dealt with properly.

Read more family stories at www.jwpatrick.co.uk

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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 3rd March

World Book Day Look out for your £1 voucher at school or nursery. www.worldbookday.org Friday 4th March

St Ninians Playgroup Open Day This is an opportunity to see the playgroup in action, chat to the friendly staff and let your child have a play whilst you visit. 10-11am. For more information contact Elaine Paterson on 07757 741073.

Saturday 5th March

Howie’s Kids Club at Howgate Shopping Centre Falkirk Fun and entertainment for children age 11 and under. Get ready for Mothers day with our Marvellous Mums event. Check www.intohowgate. co.uk for details.

Tracks and Trails at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Grangemouth Who’s been hiding in the woods at Jupiter? Look for the tracks, follow a trail and see if you can find out!

This event is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10. Booking essential. Email jupiterranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01324 486475.

Labyrinth (U) Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am.

Sunday 6th March

Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies check in store for details.

Saturday 12th March

Mousetale Puppets presents: Oscar and the Quest for the Underground Princess at The Falkirk Town Hall Oscar is irresistibly drawn into an underground myth when he receives a mysterious riddle to solve. Martin, a prince in the mole kingdom, needs Oscar’s help to find the beautiful Princess Emily.

Armed with nothing but a cream bun and an electric guitar, Oscar is determined to have lots of fun along the way! An adorable puppet show for ages 4+. 2pm. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org Capture the Flag (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am.

Wednesday 16th to Sunday 20th March

Bo’ness Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

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Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th March

Monument Dance present Dance

by Numbers at Macrobert Arts Centre Join Monument Dance as they perform another fantastic show as part of their annual showcase. 7pm and 2pm matinee on Saturday. For tickets and information phone 01786 466666.

Saturday 19th March

Buster Keaton’s My Wife’s Relations, and A Pair of Tights Part of the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema.

Easter Family Fun Day in the Muir Hall in Doune Run jointly

by Doune Baby and Toddler Group and Red Kite Community Nursery, there will be family fun and entertainment including bouncy castle, local fire engine visit and chocolate tombola as well as refreshments and home baking.

2pm-4pm, Muir Hall, Doune.

Adults-£1, Children-50p.

Kinneil House and Museum Open Day An opportunity to see the extraordinary Renaissance wall paintings within the magnificent Kinneil House which dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries.

Guides from The Friends of Kinneil will be on hand to take you through this historic house and tell its fascinating story, including a nearby Roman fortlet and the resident ghost! Free. Phone 01324 590900 for information.

Sunday 20th March

Peter Pan Part of the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema.

Laurel and Hardy – From Soup to Nuts, We Faw Down and Liberty.

Part of the Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema.

Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd March

Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition at Macrobert Arts Centre Join around 400 secondary school pupils from across Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannan as they compete in the annual Forth Valley Schools Dance Competition.

7.30pm. For tickets phone 01786 466666 Friday 25th to Monday 28th March

Easter Egg Specials At Bo’ness Steam Railway A free tasty Easter treat for every child. Wear your traditional Easter Bonnet for the

families central scotland / issue 33

chance to win a prize and have fun in the museum hunting the Easter Eggs! For times and information visit www.bkrailway.co.uk Easter at The Wallace Monument Easter is the perfect time to bring the whole family to The National Wallace Monument. Climb the 246 steps to the Monument’s Crown and enjoy live actor performances of Tales from the Battlefield. www. nationalwallacemonument.com Celebrate Easter Georgian Style at Callendar House We welcome you to the Georgian kitchen at Callendar House to sample some traditional Easter dishes of the period. Why not try our Simnel Cake and Hot Cross Buns and learn how the Georgians coloured their eggs. Join the cook by the roaring fire in Georgian kitchen for a leg of lamb being roasted on the spit with samples being offered in the afternoon of Saturday 26th.

Free.

Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March

Easter Fun at The Howgate Shopping Centre Lots of fun and entertainment in the centre with giant rabbits, Easter chick hunt, Easter crafts and storytelling!

Check www.intohowgate for details.

Saturday 26th March

Family Cycling Stirling – Easter Bonanza! Hunt for Easter eggs, bring your bike, try some bike arts and crafts, brave the pump track and test your skills. 10-2pm at Wallace High School. Free. See www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk for more details.

Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th March

Festival of Foolery at Stirling Castle Join us this Easter for Festival of Foolery, an entire weekend dedicated to fun –filled frivolity. Learn the tricks of the trade from the court jester and entertain the royal court. Try your hand at renaissance games and take part in our art activities. 124pm. Event Included in admission price.

Saturday 26th March to Monday 28th March

Celebrate Easter at Callendar House Meet the Callendar House Easter bunny who will give you one of his eggs to decorate.

All the eggs will be judged in a

competition with special prizes to be won. Then follow our bunny to the park for an egg and spoon race – adults too! Take your egg to the top of the hill and get ready to roll.

Finally our Easter bunny will lead you through a ‘warm-up’ before taking you to the walled garden for the Easter hunt. Event is on at various times. Please check www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org for more details. £5 per child. Tickets from The Steeple Box Office or phone 01324 506850.

Sunday 27th March

Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Dobbies As part of the experience, your little one can get the day off to a good start by tucking into a 4 item kids hot breakfast served with toast and a soft drink. After breakfast the games begin with Easter activities and a whole load of fun with the Easter Bunny. Phone 01786 458860 Pre booking essential.

Monday 28th March The Railway Children (Live screening) at The Macrobert Arts Centre and The Bo’ness Hippodrome The mesmerising return of the National Railway Museum and York Theatre Royal’s award winning production of The Railway Children.

Friday 1st April

Swoosh at Macrobert Arts Centre Come and join Shadow in a brand new enchanting, underwater adventure. Swooshing, twirling, diving, dashing, whirling, jumping, whooshing, splashing.

Swoosh is a multi- sensory, interactive and highly visual theatre performance, incorporating live music, dance, song and film. 11am and 2pm. Suitable for ages 0-5. www.macrobertartscentre.org Saturday 2nd April

Howie’s Kids Club at the Howgate Shopping Centre Free activities for children. 11-3 at The Hub next to M and S. Join in the fun and magic with Uncle Billy. www.intohowgate.com Camouflage crazy at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Grangemouth Help us hunt for hidden wildlife in the woods before having a go at camouflaging yourself!

Expect to get messy! This event is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10. Booking essential. Email jupiterranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01324 486475.

Tuesday 5th and Wednesday 6th and Tuesday 12th and Wednesday 13th April

All Fired Up! Family Fun Activities at the Museum of Scottish Railways and Bo’ness and Kinneil Railway Get All Fired Up this Easter at The Museum of Scottish Railways with a variety of fun art and science-based drop-in activities for the whole family! Come along, join in and fire your imagination at Bo’ness this Easter! See our website www.bkrailway.co.uk for updates.

Wednesday 6th April

Minibeast Mayhem at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Grangemouth Have you ever seen a leopard slug or a devil’s coach horse? Join us if you dare on a mega minibeast mission! This event is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10.

Booking essential. Email jupiterranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call 01324 486475.

Thursday 7th April

Hairy Maclary & Friends at Falkirk Town Hall Following the huge success of The Hairy Maclary and Friends Show, which has toured the UK, Asia and a residency at Sydney Opera House, our favourite posse of pooches return to FTH with a new set of stories. Catch up with Hairy, Hercules Morse Bottomley Potts, Muffin Maclay, Scarface Claw and meet his new feline friends in a show packed with fun storytelling and catchy songs. 2pm. For tickets and information phone 01324 506850.

Family Fun at the Speirs Centre, Alloa Family fun with a Magic Show from 11-12 and 12.301.30. For tickets and information visit www. atcbid.com or call into the Speirs Centre Library. Tickets cost £2.

Saturday 9th April

Pirates & Princesses Parade, Falkirk Town Centre On-street Pirate capers, face-painting, story-telling, arts & crafts, how to be a pirate and princess etiquette lessons and much more from 12noon, featuring a town centre market from 11 – 4pm. Captain Barbarossa and the crew will be meeting hopeful crew members on the High Street from 1.30pm. The parade leaves the bandstand area at 3.30pm. All Pirates and Princesses, young and old, are invited to dress up, bring flags or banners and enjoy the fun. Prizes for all! www.falkirkdelivers.co.uk Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre Commencing at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Follow the clues with the Pirate gang to find Captain Barbarossa’s treasure then share the bounty before he realises it’s gone. Children must be accompanied by an adult over 16yrs. www.falkirkdelivers.co.uk Thursday 14th April

Family Fun at the Speirs Centre, Alloa Come along and meet the bearded dragon and the pygmy hedgehog along with other animals from Zoo Lab. 11-12 and 12.30-1.30. For

tickets and information visit www.atcbid.com or call into the Speirs Centre Library. Tickets cost £2.

Rainbow Magic Live - Saving Fairlyand at The Albert Halls Rainbow Fairies – These beloved children’s books from Rainbow Magic™ come to life in a brand new musical stage production. Follow best friends Rachel and Kirsty as they help their fairy friends hunt for magical moonstones or tackle naughty goblins ... having lots of fun and adventures along the way. Produced in association with The Panto Company. For tickets and information phone 01786 473544.

Saturday 23rd April

Leaf by Niggle at Macrobert Arts Centre A delightful puppet show for the young and the old, or even if you don’t have any kids! Niggle is a painter. Not a very successful one, partly because he has so many other things to do.

For some time he has been obsessed with one particular canvas – a curious picture of a tree with a vast landscape stretching out behind it.

The painting keeps getting bigger and bigger, but Niggle has a journey to make. He doesn’t want to go, but he cannot get out of it. Suitable for ages 10+ www.macrobertartscentre.org

out & about

12noon and 3pm. For tickets and information phone 01786 466666.

May The Forth Fun Run in Bo’ness The first ever Bo’ness May the Forth Fun Run! With fantastic views over the inner Forth estuary, this run takes in woodlands, meadows, coast, part of the John Muir Way and the historic town of Bo’ness, near Falkirk. An ideal entrylevel, 4 mile trail run for runners of all ages and abilities. Free but registration essential. www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org Saturday 7th May

Howie’s Kids Club at the Howgate Shopping Centre Free activities for children. 11-3 at The Hub next to M and S. Join in the fun with The McDougall’s Silly Singalong. www.intohowgate.com

Check out our new ‘what’s on’ guide on our website at www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

St Ninians Playgroup Family Fun Day There will be games, face painting, tombola, home baking and a light lunch. There will also be a raffle with excellent prizes on offer. The Fun Day is £1 entry per adult and children go free.

There is guaranteed fun for all the family so come for lunch and join in the fun. 11-1pm.

Kirk Wynd, Stirling.

Sunday 24th April

Children’s Classic Concerts present Three Little Pigs Join Owen and Olly and their brand-new mini orchestra for a fun-filled hour of musical storytelling, well-known tunes and lots of joining in. Featuring The Three Little Pigs from Revolting Rhymes, this concert celebrates Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday and brings to life some of his best-loved stories. 2.30pm. www.macrobertartscentre.org Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May

RSPB Scotland Loch Leven Family Fun Weekend Drop into the reserve this weekend for an action packed nature discovery adventure. Take the wildlife challenge, join in with hands on activities, experiment with the art of den building, discover what lies beneath the pond’s surface and enter our grand designs bird feeder competition. www.rspb.org.uk/ lochleven Standard entry charges apply (FREE for members), plus £5 per child for all activities. RSPB Scotland Loch Leven Centre, Loch Leven Reserve, Kinross. 10-4pm.

Funbox present Superheroes at Macrobert Arts Centre Join Gary, Anya and Kevin on a super quest to find their keys and open the Funbox. Crime fighting Funster duo Fluffy and Flossie are also back to help us along the way and Bonzo’s alter ego, the mysterious Dog in Pants, delivers his own brand of doggy justice!

Our holiday courses for children aged 7 & 8 and 9-13 are suitable for those who have either done no cycle proficiency training or who feel they need more practice to cycle safely on the roads. We start in a traffic free area before moving onto quiet roads.

10am - 12 noon for 4 mornings £45 per child 9 -13 2.00 - 3.30 pm for 4 afternoons £40 per child 7 & 8

5th to • Tuesday 7-10 April 4-7th April

4-7 April Friday 8th April

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FAMILY SHOWS @ Sailings and events throughout the year

Connect With Us:

MacrobertArtsCentre

@macrobert

Renfrewshire Leisure in parnership with right2dance and Vanessa Rigg

SWOOSH

Fri 1 Apr, 11am & 2pm

D

Tickets: £8.50 / £30 Wee Group Saver

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott is fully wheelchair friendly

Ages 0

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott

to 5

Children’s Classic Concerts

THE THREE LITTLE PIGS

Steeped in history and legend, Loch Katrine is the ideal place to start your family-friendly adventure.

Take a minute, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, have a bite to eat and explore somewhere special.

Sun 24 Apr, 2.30pm

Tickets: £10.50 / £6.50 / £31 Family Saver Ages 4

• Classic Steamship Cruises on the Sir Walter Scott (Commence on Friday 25th March 2016)

Funbox

SUPERHEROES

• Legends of the Loch Cruise on the Lady of the Lake

Sat 30 Apr & Sun 1 May 12noon & 3pm

• Lochside Dining in the Brenachoile Restaurant • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire • Borg Grech Photography Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: enquiries@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com

to 12

Tickets: £12.50 / £46 Family Saver Ages 2

to 10

Book tickets: 01786 466666 | www.macrobertartscentre.org

THE NATIONAL

WALLACE MONUMENT STIRLING

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The largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

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Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing. for 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

For a prospectus, call Stagecoach Stirling now on: 0131 337 7774 or email: stirling@stagecoach.co.uk

Special events for all the family to enjoy!

March - October 2016

STAGECOACH STIRLING ENROLLING NOW FOR SPRING!

Historical presentations and activities in a magnificent setting.

Event details can be found online at www.nationalwallacemonument.com.

Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF Telephone: (01786) 472140 info@nationalwallacemonument.com 1.1.left leftalligned alligned 2.2.centred centred