Families Central Scotland July - August 2019 magazine

Central Scotland

In this Issue

Summer Holiday Fun Family Competitions Back to School

y Come and enjo Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo

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

Issue 53 July/August 2019 Familiesonline.co.uk

, School’ s out for the summer!

B e st d a y o ut fo r U nd e r 5s S COT L AND Bo o k yo u r se ssio n , p a r t y o r spe c ia l eve nt a t:

w w w.kidzt ownrol epla y. co m

familiesonline.co.uk Families Central Scotland 1

The National Wallace Monument

Feeling lost when it comes to money?

Talk to us.

Free confidential Financial Health Check

0800 085 7145 financialhealth.scot The Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux - Citizens Advice Scotland Scottish Charity No. SC016637 and Company Limited by Guarantee No. 89892

Adults

£10.50

Wallace Wha Hae!

Children

£6.50

Saturday 14th September 2019 2:00pm – 10:00pm

A family-friendly festival at Wallace High School Headlined by

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers

For more information and to book tickets online visit: www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Central Scotland Editor Fiona Bunting e: editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk t: 079302 64979 Design Lamb Designs Printers J Thomson Colour Printers Cover Image Deposit Photos Circulation

12,000 copies distributed directly to schools, nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries and leisure facilities, as well as selected tourist attractions, cafes, clubs, classes and shops throughout Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire and West Lothian, and also available to read online via www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack in relation to advertising. Bookings are now being taken for the September/October issue with special features on Clubs & Classes, October half term and Halloween – deadline for all adverts and editorial is 5th August.

Congratulations

Deposit Photos

In this Issue 4 6 7 12 14

Local news and views Spotlight on Women’s Health Summer Special Back to School Out and About

keep up to date Families Central Scotland is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB 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 Families Central Scotland. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Central Scotland; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

to our lucky May/June prize winner!

Gillian De Felice from Falkirk won the two Play ‘n’ Dine passes for the award winning Kidz Town Role Play in Stirling. Check out this bumper competition issue for lots more top Central Scotland prizes!

facebook.com/FamCS

@FamiliesCentral

Competition Terms and Conditions: 1. Competitions are open to residents of the UK, aged 18 years or over. 2. Only one entry per household will be accepted. 3. No responsibility is accepted for ineligible or fraudulent entries. 4. Entries must be received by the closing date and proof of sending cannot be taken as proof of receipt. 5. One correct entry and winner (or as stipulated per competition) will be selected and notified by email as soon as reasonably practicable after the closing date of the competition unless otherwise advised. 6. All decisions of Families Central Scotland are final and no correspondence will be entered into. 7. If a winner does not confirm acceptance of a prize within 7 days from notification, he/she automatically foregoes the right to claim the prize. 8. No prize is exchangeable for any other prize.The prize is not transferable. 9. All competitions hosted by Families Central Scotland will close at midnight on the closing date stated. Any entries after this time and date will be void. 10. Automated/ bulk entries and entries from third parties will be disqualified. 11. Families Central Scotland is not liable for any delay or failure by the prize provider to deliver any prize or for the quality of the prize or for any loss or damage arising in connection with the prize or competition. 12.The winner agrees to have his/her name publicised in the Families Central Scotland magazine, including the digital publication. 13.The winner agrees to have his/ her name, address and email address passed on to the prize provider for the purposes of obtaining their prize. 14. By entering the competition,

Summer Activities

Were these men Gladiators, Soldiers, Criminals or Slaves ?

YOU DECIDE

Here comes the summer !

Come along and join in the fun with our full programme of sports, activities, skiing, shows and more.

Check our website out for further details...

www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

A touring exhibition brought to you by The JORVIK Group

18 May - 6 October 2019

Callendar House, Callendar Park, Falkirk, FK1 1YR £5 Adults | £3 conc./child | £15 Family (2A,2Ch) Mon-Sun 10am-5pm (Closed Tuesdays) | Last admission 4pm Tearoom | Free Car Parking | Book Now ! 01324 506850 www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org | Falkirk Heritage FCTrust Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council

Free childcare to attend smear tests Mothers across the UK are being offered an hour’s free childcare so that they can attend a smear test.

Childcare.co.uk, which claims to be the largest platform for parents and childcare providers in the UK, has launched the initiative to encourage more women to attend a smear test to determine whether they are at risk of cervical cancer.

Every year in the UK, around 3,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. However, it is highly preventable. Pre-cancerous changes to cells in the cervix can be picked up during a woman’s smear test and early treatment can be given which, in turn, can be life saving.

In the UK, women between the ages of 25 and 64 are invited by the NHS to have cervical screening. However, figures show that the take-up of testing is at a 20-year low. While the test just takes around five minutes, a free hour of childcare is being offered to allow for waiting times and travel.

Mothers can take up this offer by visiting: www.childcare.co.uk/news/free-childcare-for-smear-tests

Offering 1140 funded hours for eligible 3 & 4 year olds from August 2019

Could your family be entitled to more money?

Until I had kids, I had no idea how much they would cost. At each stage, I thought our outgoings would start to reduce but then another expense reared its head - like them growing out of their clothes at an alarming rate.

Thank goodness for hand-me-downs!

Our food bills have also gone up - it seemed like overnight my 14 month old went from eating scraps from my plate to eating more than my very hungry toddler.

When my eldest turned three, all her activities suddenly seemed to cost the earth. She also started becoming aware of what others have and was soon telling me what she wanted. And all of that is before trying to work out whether it is even worth returning to work while paying for two at nursery.

So I was really pleased to hear about the funded early learning and childcare when they turn three, which will double in 2020; not a moment too soon! I’ve also found out that around a quarter of two year olds can access funded childcare too – that’s the type of information that is really helpful for families like mine with young children.

There are other things that we can do to increase our income, or reduce what we pay in bills, but it can be hard to know where to start.

There are so many additional money pressures when having a family, it can be hard to understand exactly what we’re entitled to or how we might save money on bills. Citizens Advice Network in Scotland offer free, confidential advice for families – chatting to them can help you find out if you are entitled to additional benefits, council tax reductions or even cheaper energy deals.

Rachel Goater, Mum of two and Assistant Project Manager on Financial Health Project at Citizens Advice Scotland.

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from 3 months to school age.

• Graded Excellent and Very Good by the Care Inspectorate • Set in beautiful surroundings near Dunblane with ample parking • Access to daily Forest Schools • 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

4 Families Central Scotland

Parents can access a financial health check by calling 0800 085 7145, 8am – 6pm, Monday to Friday, or contacting their local Citizens Advice Bureau.You can find out more about how to maximise your income at: www.financialhealthcheck.scot The Financial Health Check service is funded by the Scottish Government.

Space Chase - 2019 Summer Reading Challenge

The Summer Reading Challenge encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Children’s reading can decline during the summer holidays if they don’t have regular access to books or encouragement to read for pleasure.

This year the challenge will focus on the theme ‘Space Chase’ - an outof-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing.

Children are challenged to read at least six library books over the school holidays and collect rewards, such as stickers, on their way to receiving their challenge certificate and medal.

The Challenge launches in Scotland on 22 June 2019.

For competitions, book recommendations and special online badges and rewards, visit www.summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

Familiesonline.co.uk

Blairmains st 2019

Drive for More Men in Childcare

Summerfe

More men will be encouraged to undertake qualifications in early learning and childcare, through a new government fund dedicated to increasing their numbers.

Colleges across Scotland will have the opportunity to bid for two funding awards to run pilot projects which support men in childcare with the aim of increasing the number of men enrolling in Childhood Practice courses.

Currently, around 4% of the workforce providing day care for children is male.

Colleges across Scotland can bid for a share of the £50,000 Men in Early Years Challenge Fund to run pilot projects aimed at increasing the number of men enrolling on NC (National Certificate) and HNC (Higher National Certificate) Childhood Practice courses.

The government hopes that increasing the number of men in childcare means children will benefit from different perspectives and more male role models.

More info at www.meninchildcare.co.uk

A Magical Cast for FTH Theatre’s Aladdin FTH Theatre Falkirk are delighted to announce that television star Libby McArthur and singing sensation Barbara Bryceland will be starring in their magical family pantomime Aladdin this Christmas.

Libby, who will be playing the Empress, is a familiar face on Scottish television as she played Gina Hamilton in River City for eleven years as well as appearing in Taggart, Take the High Road, Hamish Macbeth and Rab C Nesbitt. She was also a founder member of the 80s pop group Sophisticated Boom Boom.

Barbara appeared on both The X-Factor and The Voice, and starred as Fairy Godmother in FTH Theatre’s first professional pantomime Cinderella last year and this year will be playing the magical Spirit of the Ring. She says “I absolutely loved appearing in panto last year as the cast and team were fantastic. It was my first pantomime and so was a great learning experience for me and I cannot wait to tackle a new role this year.”

Aladdin runs from Friday 6 – Tuesday 24 December 2019 so hurry and get your tickets early before they fly out of the door!

To book tickets, please contact the box office on 01324 506850 or visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Free tasting & samples, Discounts on the day, Free kids fun & games, Central FM Roadshow, For more details contact us.

Showcasing all that’s great about Blairmains Farm Shop

ust

Saturday 10th of Aug 10am - 4pm

Blairlogie, Stirling FK9 5QA (Off the A91) 01259 762266 www.blairmains.com blairmains@hotmail.com

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway

o Kids g !* e e r f

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

Open 23 March - 27 October www.bkrailway.co.uk Registered charity SC002375

Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ

*one child free with a paying adult with this ad.Valid for one transaction only, any day until end August 2019 (except 27 & 28 July) ref famCent

Classes Across Central Scotland

lynsey@hartbeeps.com 07914 023 928

Spotlight on Women’s Health This month, we’ve spoken to Sarah Sangster, co-founder of Baby Central, and Sam McTaggart, owner of SM Physiotherapy & Pregnancy Care. Sarah and Sam both have a passion for supporting women through pregnancy, the postnatal period and beyond.

So how did you two come to meet?

Sarah – We met around 7 years ago at a Physiotherapy training event for treatment of women suffering with pelvic girdle pain (PGP) in pregnancy and postnatally.

I was a newly qualified midwife, working privately in the community offering active antenatal classes from the Daisy Foundation and Sam was a physiotherapist offering treatment to women with PGP. I had worked with so many women in my classes who were struggling with this common condition and was so pleased to discover that there was effective treatment out there locally which could completely alleviate the pain and discomfort they were experiencing.

Sam - Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is a painful condition which affects 1 in 5 women during pregnancy. It is a belief by many (including GPs and midwives) that pelvic pain is a ‘normal’ part of pregnancy and nothing can be done to help until after baby arrives. The truth is that PGP arises from a mechanical dysfunction within the pelvic joints which leads to pain and muscle spasm. Manual therapy designed to restore optimal alignment to the pelvic bones is proven to be very effective in alleviating PGP. At this time SM Physiotherapy & Pregnancy Care is 1 of only 4 clinics on the Pelvic Partnership’s ‘Recommended Practitioners’ webpage recognised for providing effective treatment for this condition.

How did that first meeting turn into the working relationship you have now?

Sarah – As I continued to refer women

who were attending my Daisy Birthing classes and struggling with PGP to Sam, I was blown away with the feedback and improvement in their symptoms. Sam then attended my birthing classes in her own pregnancy and then baby classes with my colleague Nicola. We often discussed how amazing it would be to have a space in the community from which we could all work and offer a one stop, safe, friendly hub for women and their families. Nicola and I then created our studio Baby Central and Sam was delighted to join us with her own treatment room space.

What are the women’s health services you are offering to women in pregnancy and postnatally?

Sam – Most ladies attend during pregnancy for treatment of PGP or for an alignment check prior to giving birth.

After birth I recommend that women attend for a postnatal alignment check, where I also assess for Diastasis Rectus Abdominis (DRA), and address any continence/pelvic floor issues such as prolapse or pain. This postnatal check is important as studies have found that 66% of women with DRA also have a pelvic floor support dysfunction (Spitznagle et al 2007). DRA is a common condition affecting 1 in 3 women postnatally, where the normal spreading apart of the ‘six pack’ abdominal muscles in pregnancy does not resolve to a functional level by 8 weeks postnatal. Some of the main symptoms of DRA include; a ‘mum tum’ in standing that flattens when you lie on your back and doming of the abdomen with movement and lifting. Following the assessment, I am able to provide specific exercises to each woman based on my findings as well as offer advice on returning to activity and c-section scar massage where appropriate. Outwith the postnatal period I will regularly see women for neck, shoulder and low back pain which results from the repetitive movements, heavy lifting and awkward positioning that often happens when looking after babies and small children.

Samantha McTaggart MCSP SM Physiotherapy & Pregnancy Care smphysio@outlook.com 07944750979

Sarah Sangster Baby Central hellobabycentral@gmail.com 07815516528

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Sarah – As well as the Daisy active birthing classes for pregnancy, I offer postnatal Piyo classes.

The classes are specifically designed to help women exercise safely after birth, and beyond, with the focus on restorative core and pelvic floor work to ensure the key muscles that have been affected by pregnancy are gently and effectively restored. There is such a lack of knowledge and support out there for women who are returning to or starting up exercise after having a baby, I love that I can help women to feel informed about safe exercise whilst enjoying the physical and mental benefits of activity.

My classes are small, friendly and good fun! Non mobile babies attend with their mums and then once baby is on the move, mums can come to the next stage class and enjoy some time for themselves to stretch, build strength and have some fun. It’s such a bonus that I can signpost women with more complex DRA or ongoing pelvic pain to Sam so they can receive treatment and continue to enjoy exercising safely and pain free.

Tel: 0344 5611994

The 'one click' name tagging system Laser etched so they will not fade!

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6 Families Central Scotland

Familiesonline.co.uk

Summer Special Summer Days Out Put the Kids in Charge!

There has been a lot in the press in recent months about ‘helicopter parenting’ and parents doing too much for their children. So how about breaking the cycle and putting the kids in charge for the day? Claire Winter makes some suggestions.

Sometimes when we are busy we can over-schedule our child’s school holidays with clubs, activities, play dates and days out. So why not counteract this by taking a step back and putting the kids in charge for a day?

Children love independence so let each child in your family set the agenda for one day. Give them a budget and encourage them to start planning!

Parent coach Susi Ramroop (susieramroop.com) says it’s important to give our kids more independence. “In an attempt to please our kids and keep them busy, we fill their schedules with activities, and run the risk of overwhelming them.

Teaching them from a young age to choose a day out based on what brings the most joy exercises their decisionmaking muscles, and sets them up for a better future – making choices is the foundation for managing time and money effectively.”

Follow these easy steps: Put One of your Children in Charge Set the agenda. Let your child know that he or she has to plan an activity that is out of the house for the day, as well as how to get there and back and where and what the family is going to eat for each meal.

Set a Budget Give your child a set cash allocation for the day. They then need to decide what to spend the budget on. The budget needs to cover the day out or activity as well as food. They might decide to buy food for a picnic, treats or eat out. Assist them to buy any food required.

Familiesonline.co.uk

Get Them Researching Encourage them to research their intended activities or day out as a starting point. Give them some tips on researching travel costs. You can assist them with this if they ask for help but try not to take over. Advise them to pre-buy the tickets or train fares online.

Depending on their age they may be able to enter credit or debit card information and manage booking systems. If not, give them some help with this. If they can stretch the budget or find free things to do, they get extra brownie points!

FAMILY SHOWS @ Connect With Us:

Let them Navigate Get them to look up the location on Googlemaps or Sat Nav if you are driving, or on a map if you are walking or using public transport. They can ask you for help if necessary. Ask them to direct you to your destination. If they make mistakes, it’s all part of the learning.

MacrobertArtsCentre

@macrobert

Selladoor Family

For age

3+

Sat 27 & Sun 28 Jul, 2.30pm Tickets: £9.50 / £34 Wee Group Saver

It may be Mayhem!

Remember things may not all go to plan but you can have fun, relax and enjoy not being in charge. Sometimes kids need to learn from experience that sweets for every meal is not a good idea!

Keep it Up If the experiment went well, why not introduce it as a regular feature in family life? You could have a fun day out ideas jar to which everyone can contribute. The whole family can throw their ideas into a hat or jar and you pull one out every weekend. My kids love having a Mexican, Indian or Pizza night. They plan the menu and ingredients required, then we do the shopping and cooking together. When the food is ready, we watch a film. An activity doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It is easy to forget that what children often want is just to be spending time together.

Helping our children develop independence is vital. We need to give them the tools to become responsible, emotionally-intelligent adults who are capable of making their own decisions.

It’s not always easy to let go but, when you do, it’s great to see their smiles of satisfaction when they are allowed to do things their way!

Mini Milker Quiz TASTY PRIZE

1. What do you call a baby cow? .........................................................

2. How many stomachs does a cow have? ..........................................................

3. What do cows drink? ..........................................................

4. How often are cows milked? ..........................................................

If you cut this out and show your correct answers to a member of staff at The Milk Barn, Falkirk before 24th August 2019, you will receive a free ice-cream cone of any available flavour! www.themilkbarn.co.uk

Families Central Scotland 7

Summer Special

Competition Special! WIN WIN WIN et to Blair WIN a Family TickPa rk!

Drummond Safari ily attractions for an

Summer Festival Fu

n at Sruighlea!

fam Visit one of Scotland’s top mer. Set in over 120 acres, sum this t ou incredible day nd Safari Par k offers a full near Stir ling, Blair Dr ummo oy. Check out www. enj day of fun for everyone to re information. mo for m .co nd mo blairdrum a family ticket win to w To enter the prize dra r name children), simply email you with (admitting 2 adults and 2 k o.u familiescentralscotland.c July 2019. and address to editor@ t 31s n tha r ject box, no late e 3. pag ‘Summer Safari’ in the sub on conditions can be found Competition terms and

Stir ling Summer Festival attracts 8000 visitor s to a fun and affordable day out in central Scotland on Saturday 17th August 201 9 (Sr uighlea, pronounced ‘Sreee-lie’ is the Scots Gaelic for Stir ling).

Come enjoy and share ou r Scottish Festival experienc friends and family. Our thr e ee attractions will give you with loads to do, see, taste and chat abo ut.

KIDZ TOWN ARE HAVING A PARTY AND IT’S FREE!!

• Stir ling Highland Game s offers a traditional highla nd games competition for visi tor s to watch through the day with our Games Chieftain Kieron Achara, Internatio nal and Olympian basketball player. An activities challen ge area for the kids, heritage walking tours on site and an arts & crafts market will also make your day.

• Our Creative Ar ts Fes tival has a performance sch edule to keep you entertained from 12:30 with fringe performances during the day with Matthew Gibb, Brina, and live music from 18:00 Go Greig Taylor Blues and Sco rdon James and The Power, ttish folk legend Dougie MacLean headlining.

• Our Food & Drink Fes tival inc Scottish food and drink pro ludes a huge selection of ducers to indulge the big gest foodie with street food ven dors, hot drinks vendors, craft drinks and food producers , craft beer bar, craft gin bar and more.

Here at KIDZ TOWN we are celebrating our first anniversary since opening in June 2018. With 14 different role-play locations, we have watched thousands of kids having the time of their lives playing in (or driving around the roads of!) KIDZ TOWN. Upstairs lies KIDZ TOWN’s most precious hidden secrets. Our two themed Party Rooms. Which one will you choose for a Birthday treat of a lifetime? Read on…

MEGA BIRTHDAY PARTY COMPETITION To help KIDZ TOWN celebrate its first anniversary, we are giving away a free birthday party package for 10 kids in the Party Room of their choice. PLAYHOUSE TEA PARTY: Based in Rooftops overlooking KIDZ TOWN, where apart from the great view, you can play in our giant playhouse before and after you enjoy your birthday party tea . Or enjoy the same experience in our PIRATE AND MERMAID PARTY ROOM where you can dress up as a Pirate or Mermaid and ride the waves on our Pirate Ship or play in Kidzy’s Cave. Both parties include a 90 min play in the “town”, invitations, party bags, hats, party food and disco lights.

To enter our mega anniversary competition draw, please visit www.kidztownroleplay.com and simply answer the following question (the clue is on the party booking page!): Which KIDZ TOWN character can you invite along to your birthday party?

Day Tickets: Adult £8; Ch ild (5 to 15) £4; OAP/Stud ents £5 Gates Open 10:30 and Da y Ticket holders have acc ess until 17:00. Evening Ticket & Festival Pass options als o available – check out www.sruighlea. scot for details and book ing.

Thanks to Sruighlea, we have away (each admitting 2 adu two family Day Tickets to give lts and 2 children)! To ent prize draw, simply email er the your name and address to editor@ familiescentralscotland.c o.uk with ‘Stirling’ in the subject box. Entries to be receiv ed no later than 31st July 2019.

Competition terms and conditions on page 3.

Please send your entry to editor@familiescentralscotland. co.uk with ‘Party’ in the subject box by 31st July 2019.

Competition Terms & Conditions on page 3.

WIN a Family Ticket Hae!’

for ‘Wallace Wha

9 is a urday 14th September 201 High e ‘Wallace Wha Hae!’ on Sat llac Wa of tival on the grounds llace Wa special family-friendly fes nal tio Na e Th ce 150 years sin e tur fea School commemorating l wil le for all ages, the event en ldr chi Monument opened. Suitab ing giv s, ent historical re-enactm rs! fun crafting activities and rrio wa val die me h o-face wit the chance to come face-t nt on the main stage, with a final me ain ert ent of ay arr an ctacular Enjoy Hot Chilli Pipers and a spe d Re e Th closing performance from ent e National Wallace Monum t www. fireworks display from Th visi , ets tick ation and to book the event. For more inform m .co ent um on question nationalwallacem ply answer the following sim w, dra ze pri the d.co.uk lan To enter cot als ntr sce editor@familie to r we ans r you d sen and allace’ in the subject box. by 31st July 2019, with ‘W

e Which anniversary is Th ment National Wallace Monu celebrating this year? a) 200th b) 150th c) 722nd

and conditions: Value: up to £34.00. Terms Wha Hae!’, family admission ticket to ‘Wallace ily fam one for is e This priz to 3 children, or 2 adults up & lt adu 1 n, lts & 2 childre ely. This prize is for admission can be for 2 adu arat sep sed ets must be purcha h September only: 14t & 3 children. Additional tick y rda Wha Hae!’ festival on Satu at admission to the ‘Wallace ts 2pm and finishes at another date. The event star it cannot be exchanged for prize does not include The .

8pm at be the event will included. Parking at 9:45pm, last admission for not is vel Tra . l Wallace Monument badge holders only. blue admission to The Nationa for d h School, will be reserve online. There nd fou the event site, Wallace Hig be uently asked questions can tral Scotland’s Cen Travel information and freq ilies Fam also see se prize. Plea is no cash alternative for this 3. s and conditions on page standard competition term

Summer Special

Fun for the kids in the summer holidays Summer with Falkirk Community Trust

Over the school holidays we will once again be offering a packed programme of activities for children of all ages, which includes multi-sports camps, gymnastics in our new Carron Gymnastics Centre, tennis coaching camps, Swimming skills including one to one classes, disability camp, basketball camp, athletics, outdoor pursuits and skiing. Falkirk Libraries also have a busy line-up including reading and writing rammies, craft sessions and art workshops.

Check out falkirkcommunitytrust.org or call 01324 506 850 FTH Theatre Mon 22 – Fri 26 July 11am – 4pm daily Age 7 – 18 yrs Ready Steady Show!

An incredible week of musical theatre working on scenes, songs and dances from some of the biggest hits on Broadway! No experience is needed to take part and you will work with some of the best in the business creating a musical theatre extravaganza to perform on the Friday evening on our main stage.

Favourites from Matilda, Billy Elliot, A Chorus Line, Beauty and the Beast, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Mamma Mia! will make this the hottest ticket in town.

Participation fee £85 for the week.

Performance Friday evening at 7pm Tickets for Fri 26th £5/£3 conc.

Something for everyone at Callendar House Fun Callendar House is a great all year destination, packed with nooks and crannies to explore. It is set in the stunning Callendar Park, which offers a Natural Play Trail, for kids big or small, plus a play area and a range of paid for summer activities including bouncy castles and mini zorbing.

Familiesonline.co.uk

The Helix

Tue 23 July 6.30pm, Adult £14 | Child £11 | Family £45. Age 7+

Exhibition Gladiators – A Cemetery of Secrets This exciting exhibition tells the story behind the skeletal remains of six men, unearthed in York, dating from the early 2nd century to the late 3rd century AD. All were decapitated and suffered injuries prior to death. Recent research has added to the story and uncovered more about who these men were, where they came from, how they died and why. Accompanying the exhibition is an engaging hands-on play area based on a Roman market, where families can have fun exploring what life was like in a Roman town. Runs until Sun 6 October. £5 Adults | £3 conc/child | £15 Family (2A, 2 Ch). Closed Tuesdays. Last admission 3.30pm Activities Gladiator School – Family Workshops Join Gladys, our Gladiator trainer, to find out if you’ve got what it takes to enter the arena and make mini Gladiator shields to take home and practise with. The workshop tickets include concession rate entry to our main exhibition, the guided workshop and crafts. Ideal for families aged 8+. Please call 01324 506850 to book a place. Sun 23 June and Sun 21 July (11am – 12noon & 1pm – 2pm) £7pp or £24 family ticket.

Outdoor Theatre In a world of fakery, what becomes of true love? Join us for this super glam outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s starcrossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet. Bring a chair and pack the picnic (after you’ve uploaded it to Instagram, obvs!), dress to impress and remember to charge your phone – tweeting, snapchat and selfies advised. After all, if you haven’t posted it online, has it really even happened? Call 01324 506850 to book. Thursday 11th July, 6.30pm. Suitable for 8+

GANGSTA GRANNY Meet Ben, an 11-year-old want-to-be plumber fed up with spending his Friday nights at Granny’s.

All she wants to do is play Scrabble and eat cabbage – not exactly his idea of fun!

Hungry and bored Ben goes searching for something more edible in the kitchen and stumbles upon an old biscuit tin. The tin holds more than just digestives, however. It contains Granny’s biggest secret…

Ben’s Granny is an international jewel thief - and she needs his help to pull off her biggest heist yet, stealing the crown jewels!

Heartbreak Productions invite you to share in this exciting escapade, a David Walliams’ best seller adapted for the outdoor stage. Join us, Ben, and his Gangsta Granny on their grandest adventure full of forbidden fun. It could be very hungry work so come prepared with picnics and appropriate outdoor gear.

Running Time: 2 Hours inc Interval

Watch a movie

The Hippodrome will be showing a selection of the best new and recent releases throughout the summer holidays, with extra day-time screenings while the kids are off school, including TOY STORY 4 and the new live action LION KING. Don’t forget their tasty treats packages – for £3 kids can choose from a selection of drinks, small freshly popped popcorn & a Freddo. Adults can enjoy a nonalcoholic drink & medium freshly popped popcorn for £3.50. If you’re planning a family outing, you can choose 2 each of the above for just £12 (1 Adult and up to 3 kids or 2 adults and 2 kids). www. hippodromecinema.co.uk

Families Central Scotland 9

Summer Special

snack from our buffet car then sit back and wave to the people you pass as the train travels through the Scottish countryside to Manuel via Kinneil Halt and Birkhill.

Wild about summer Looking for an unforgettable day out? Plan a fun and exciting trip to Blair Drummond Safari Park this summer.

If your little ones love animals, then this is the perfect day out. The Safari Park has a whole summer of animal themed events and activities to keep the whole family occupied.

You can learn all about how to look after lions, tigers, rhinos and meerkats, get up close to Scotland’s only giraffes, meet the cheeky monkeys in the safari drive-though and take a boat trip to Chimp Island.

Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. Learn why the Fish Van has a sloping floor, come faceto-face with a mechanical horse and much more. You’ll find homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop at Bo’ness Station.

Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk.

Elephants, as everyone knows, are big, have trunks, and are grey. But Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood, until the day he gets tired of being different and tries to blend in with the herd. Featuring a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets, this is a great show for children of all ages.

Book tickets £9.50 / £34 Wee Group saver (for any 4 people) by calling 01786 466 666 or online at macrobertartscentre.org Have fun & keep active over the summer

McLaren Leisure has loads on offer during the school holidays. Our popular Kids’ camp for primary age children will run from 1st July to 16th August, with lots of fun activities, including swimming, climbing, team games and much more.

There are over 350 animals and 125 acres of animal reserves, gardens and adventure play to explore. Book tickets online from just £13.50 at www.blairdrummond.com

There is also our Motivate Class for children aged 4-5 years on Tuesdays & Thursdays (10:0012:00) from 15th July for 4 weeks.

Annual Summerfest at Blairmains Farm Shop & Coffee Bothy – Saturday 10th August We invite you to join us on Saturday 10th August for our annual Summerfest and speciality fine food fair. With over 30 of our suppliers showcasing Scotland’s well stocked larder of food and drink, it’s your ideal opportunity to sample their tasty products – try before you buy! Demonstrations of locally made bespoke accessories, wood carving as well as hand-made soaps and creams – with a range of our Bothy made deli goodies as well as beer, gin and whisky sampling. Central FM will provide entertainment and music, with free fun activities for the kids, a BBQ and beer tent – something for everyone. Great discounts and deals will be available throughout the day, this is an event not to be missed – leave time for a visit to one of our coffee shops.

For more information contact us on info@ blairmains.com Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy, Blairlogie, Stirling, FK9 5QA www.blairmains.com Railway adventures Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a

10 Families Central Scotland

Summer at KIDZ TOWN Here at KIDZ TOWN we will be open 7 days a week over the school holidays.

Weekend peak sessions will remain at the same times, but in order to meet the holiday demand we will once again change to three 90-minute sessions Monday to Friday. Please visit www.kidztownroleplay.com to check out the times and book your session. Both of our party rooms, Rooftops Playhouse and Pirate and Mermaid Party Rooms, will be available for last minute birthday parties or any other special events (subject to availability). We are constantly changing things in the role-play town, so even if you visited us just a few weeks ago, there will definitely be something new and exciting at your disposal. Meanwhile Becky’s scrumptious home-made cakes just seem to be getting more delicious by the day!!

Macrobert Arts Centre Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show comes to Macrobert Arts Centre this summer (Sat 27 and Sun 28 Jul at 2.30pm). Based on the classic children’s book series by David McKee it’s a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter!

Our Monday Swimming classes will run from 8th July – 12th August (excl. 29th July) for pre-schoolers and beginners and our Swim School intensive will run from Monday 29th July to Friday 2nd August.

Spike Island (inflatables) will also run

throughout the holidays every Friday evening: 19:30-20:30 (primary) and 20:30-21:30 (high school). Check out further details on our

website: www.mclarenleisure.co.uk

The Milk Barn Come and enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream at The Milk Barn. Made from our own pedigree herd of Holstein Friesian cows, we have 36 different flavours on display every day. We also have a soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy free sorbets and frozen fresh fruit yoghurt. 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 fibreglass milking cow, Glenda. We also serve paninis, sandwiches, baked potatoes, home baking etc. Our milkshakes are made using our ice-cream and are absolutely amazing!

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Ask our staff for any dietary guidelines.

Opening hours are 10am to 5pm every day.

Glen Farm, Glen Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA contact 01324 630 703 or visit www.themilkbarn.co.uk

Saturday 14th September. Family tickets start at just £27.50: book now to avoid disappointment.

For more information visit www.nationalwallacemonument.com

Cycle Proficiency Training Stirling Cycle Training are running on road cycling beginners’ courses during the summer holidays, 1-4 July & 13-16 August 2019, for children aged 7 & 8 and 9–13. The courses are suitable for children who have done no previous cycle proficiency training or those who feel they need more practice to cycle safely on the road.

The training starts in a traffic free area before moving on to quiet roads.

The classes for children aged 9 – 13 are over 4 mornings, 10am – 12 noon, costing £50 per child. The classes for children aged 7 & 8 are shorter, 2.00pm – 3.30pm, costing £45 per child. This will be similar to the 9-13 year olds’ class but we expect to spend more time on bike control exercises and we will not progress onto mini roundabouts.

Full information at www.stirlingcycletraining.com and phone 07966 201 519.

Summer Fun down on Briarlands Farm

A Brand-New Visitor Experience at The National Wallace Monument This year The National Wallace Monument is celebrating its 150th anniversary year with the refurbishment of its exhibition galleries and a vastly expanded programme of events.

Keep up to date with us online over the summer for more inspiration, activities and events in Central Scotland!

We offer acres of space with natural play equipment and cable ride; tractor gokarts, giant jumping pillows and exciting new football golf course, soft archery and more to allow all ages to enjoy the fresh air.

Why not buy a Season Pass to keep the kids entertained all summer?

Visit our tearoom for a delicious freshly baked cream scone with our own strawberries. Pick Your Own Strawberries is open again this year – check website for availability We also love to host birthday parties and can offer a fantastic indoor space for any celebration.

For more information and to see our range of events please visit our website at www.briarlandsfarm. co.uk or follow us on Facebook to keep up to date!

The newly transformed exhibition spaces have been designed to tell the story of William Wallace better than it has ever been told in the past. Kids will love the new games, including the make a hero digital jigsaw, the superhero quiz, and getting the chance to design and pose with their own Coat of Arms.

With 150 days of special events taking place at the Monument throughout 2019, there is something for everyone! History comes alive with activities every day in July and August, including battle scar makeup, performances by costumed actors, and archery. You won’t want to miss ‘Wallace Wha Hae!’, the family-friendly festival on

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Summer Special

COMING SOON!

Music Festival at Cardross Estate

Spinning Jenny and her crew are back again with their circus skills! Learn to juggle and spin or wheel your way into a world of wild experiences. Here’s what else you can expect for children to enjoy at Doune the Rabbit Hole this year...

Imaginary world - The Doune Bakery - Make your cake in our playdough bakery, decorate with all the shiny sprinkles or bring your picnic and make our cafe come alive.

Library - Library with DIY membership cards, snuggle area for when you need a moment’s peace, toddler toys and sensory area, board games for everyone from tiny tots to the most competitive parents!

Stage - Dress up in our giant wardrobe and complete your costume with our face painting gurus, play all the musical instruments and make your own merry band, learn to play the instruments at special workshops or entertain your parents on our stage with lights, bubbles and sparkles.

Tuff trays - Gloop, water beads, baby bathing, fairy garden, robot making, ice cream parlour, trainset, magnet exploration, gravity games, Lego, on a fast programme of ever changing sensory trays and imaginary play.

Mis-Spent Youth Games Room - We will host a games room in our themed and decorated Marquee. Just as in past years, we will supply our old flick-counter board games, giant ninepin skittles, bat the rat, toad in the hole, ring & bull and tug of war (all made of native woods), but this year, especially to celebrate the 10th anniversary, we will add a 10 pin Bowling Alley!

Silent disco - Get down and join the amazingly fun Silent Disco, grab your headphones and pick between the 2 channels of music… red channel v blue channel, you decide! Expect some great

pop and dance-along favourites with a few classics for the parents too! Fun for all ages!

Birthday Party - The biggest, silliest kids party you have ever seen. With party dances, frantic pass the parcel, the hokey cokey, cake, musical statues, and pin the tail on the rabbit! Join us on Saturday afternoon for the biggest celebration we have ever had!

Sword vs Bubbles - Grab a sword, and pop ‘til you drop. A magical gathering of pirates to celebrate a wild weekend. Whirl, dance and jump on Sunday afternoon with our annual celebration of colour and beauty.

Theatre - A little theatre with a backstage area filled with costumes and props. Offering creative play workshops, interactive storytelling, theatre games and create your own play sessions. 2 performances a day from our talented youth company! The tent will be open from 10-6 each day for children of all ages, with costumes for babies right up to adults.

Knitters’ corner - Cosy up in our comfy corner and learn to knit or crochet, or bring your needles and hooks and work on a project of your choice. A wee spot to knit, chatter and laugh together.

We believe that festivals are best when the children are happy so please do feel free to grab a member of our kids’ field crew if you need anything and we will try to sort you out. We have a passion to make this the weekend your children talk about forever!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

WWW.DOUNETHERABBITHOLE.CO.UK 19 – 21 JULY 2019

Families Central Scotland 11

Back to School

M

y name is Sandy Wood and I live in Fallin with my wife Emily and our two children, Xavier (5) and Lyra (2), and I also have two grown-up daughters, Chelsea and Hope, from my previous marriage. I have been working at Sprint Design – a garment printing and embroidery business – for almost thirty years and last year Emily and I took over as owners. There are different aspects to the business: we do a lot of “tourist” products, tea towels and so on, for various outlets in Scotland, including the Wallace Monument, and everyone in Scotland must have one of our “dialect” tea towels or “Broon” aprons, I’ve printed so many over the years! We do a lot of kit for clubs and also corporate embroidery and school wear – the school wear side is especially busy over the summer so we’re gearing up for that at the moment.

What do you like best about your job?

Now that I’m the boss? Being able to grab a cup of tea whenever I like!

How do you find juggling work and family life?

Exhausting! But we keep going. The transition from employee to boss has been hard and in these early days we do feel it has been difficult to give the children as much time and attention as we would like, but it is getting easier – slowly!

Why do you like living where you do? How child friendly is it?

I grew up in Fallin and after a good few years away it’s nice to be back. Emily is originally from East Lothian and we met not long after she moved to Stirling. It’s nice that she has been able to make new friends here through toddlers and now with Xav going to school. There are lots of good places to take the kids for a walk and out on the bikes and it’s lovely being out in the country while also being close to Stirling. When the weather’s good it’s nice to take a walk along to the Goth and sit outside with a pint and watch the bowls.

Favourite thing to do with your children on a rainy day: Both children love going swimming, we’ve been going to the Mariner Centre while the Peak pools

have been closed, but look forward to them reopening in the summer Favourite place to visit with your children on a warm summer’s day: Anywhere outdoors where they can burn off energy!

Favourite shop: Babes in the Wood – it’s a great place to pick up bargains, as well as being able to pass on things the kids have grown out of.

Favourite park: A toss up between Kings Park and Causewayhead Park – both have a range of equipment to suit small toddlers up to older kids (although we always get pestered for Corrieri’s ice cream if we go to Causewayhead…).

Favourite children’s club or class: Xav was very premature so we couldn’t really get him out anywhere until he was about nine months old, then Emily took him to the Active Stirling Buggy Walking groups which at least gave her the chance to meet some other parents.

The Bookbug sessions at our local library are really good, and we have to say a big thank you to Laney who runs the toddler group in Fallin – Emily’s been taking one or both of the kids for almost five years, and they have all loved it.

Favourite child-friendly restaurant or café: For a budget-friendly quick bite it’s Wetherspoon’s Crossed Peels. For a special meal you can’t beat Corrieri’s in Causewayhead – great food and wine, wonderful atmosphere and the service is really prompt so little ones don’t get too fidgety!

Favourite family holiday spot: Emily’s grandparents bought a cottage in Cornwall that the whole family has been using for holidays for almost seventy years – it’s an amazing place right on the beach and great for kids as they can just run wild!

Most loved children’s book: The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Best children’s DVD, TV show or app: Favourites at the moment are Numberblocks and Blaze and the Monster Machines.

Most played with toys: Lego – about the only time you’ll see Xav sitting quietly!

For all your printing and embroidery needs, visit Unit 46, Stirling Enterprise Park, check out www.sprintdesign.co.uk, call us on 01786 447 707, email info@sprintdesign.co.uk or find us on Facebook.com/sprintdesignstirling.

Favourite night out without kids: What’s that?!

Best planet saving tip: Put another jersey on.

No parent should be without: A constant supply of wipes, hankies and snacks.

Step back to school with 2 FEET 1st in Linlithgow Pauline & Angela would like to welcome you to their shop based in Linlithgow High Street.

As your child’s feet continue to develop, it is essential to ensure their every day. As fully shoes are a perfect fit: after all, they will be wearing them for over six hours experience of all and e knowledg the with touch personal a offer to here are we trained fitters, continental more many and Superfit Kelly, Lelli Geox, Ricosta, , of our brands including Start-Rite you to ensure that brands. We would suggest that you bring your child’s school socks along with to allow your child we have the correct fitting and fulfil your requirements. It is also a good idea used to wearing them get to starting school to prior house the around shoes new to wear their school shoes again. of our appointment It’s one of the busiest times of the year for us so why not take advantage trainers, pre walkers sandals, summer of range wide a have also We wait. a save to based system and shoes to fit all occasions. or pop in to see us Please call to arrange an appointment at a suitable time on 01506-847-576 ” to our shop. “tootsies little your g welcomin to forward look We .

Linlithgow at 73, High Street,

12 Families Central Scotland

Parenting pet hates: Trying to get them both ready and out of the door in the mornings – no matter how organised we think we are, it always ends up a race against the clock.

Don’t fo rget

Some nurs funded houeries are able to offer part of the rs from THIS August 1,140 Governmen early roll out of The , 2019, as provision. t’s increased early le Scottish arning Two nurser out are: ies included in the ea rly roll Arnhall N 01786 82 ursery in Dunb lane 2 391 Little Sta 01786 44 rs Nursery in S tirling 5 552 Phone them to discuss or arrange a visit.

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Getting Ready to Go Back to School

Back to School

Tried and tested…

ION8 Leakproof Water Bottle • •

• • Ah… the long summer stretches before us, but before you know it, it will be time to get ready for the return to school, shiny new shoes, pencil cases, lunch boxes and uniform. Claire Winter asked Families’ readers for their top tips on making the return to school as smooth as possible.

Start going to bed earlier The late summer nights, the sleepovers and the summer holiday fun means the kids go to bed and wake up later. Ruth says: “They are always exhausted when they first start back at school. Start to pull bedtime back about a week before term starts. I find this useful to help ease everyone back into the routine.”

Shelly says: “If your children are returning to the same school, check that their winter uniform still fits them before the last week of the hols when everything has sold out already. Especially socks and tights!

Make sure that their pencil case actually has anything left in it other than pencil shavings, used tissues, and passing notes. If they brought it home, find the P.E. kit and trainers you cleaned and stored safely over 5 weeks ago before the morning of the first day because you can be sure that it will not be where you left it. If you have girls, you can never have too many hair bands!” Don’t forget to name everything!

Get Acquainted with New Friends Spotting some friendly faces in the playground or canteen can make all the difference when your kids start a new term or school.

“We had a picnic early summer for everyone moving up […] from all the different schools, so all the parents and children got to know each other. Also set up a Facebook group to keep in touch and feel part of a community” says Mandy.

Debbie advises: “it’s great to meet up, especially if you are new to the area. As someone who moved here with kids starting new schools, it was really helpful meeting parents and kids from the new school a week before they started, so they knew some friendly faces!” Cath who runs a soft play centre says: “We had a lot of enquiries at work about us setting up school meets over the summer. We ran one for every primary school in the area last summer, and it was very well attended. We had loads of good feedback saying both parents and kids felt much more confident starting school having met a few friends first!”

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Boost Independence Making sure your child can fend for themselves at school is essential. If your child is starting school for the first time, make sure they can dress themselves and start to get them used to following instructions. Cath says: “if you are sending your child to secondary school, get them to be more independent. The best thing I think I did was let Dexter have a bit more freedom over the summer. For example, I let him cycle to a mate’s house, get the bus a couple of times into town, go to the shop for me and order for himself in restaurants, etc. It really built his confidence and independence, and he said he felt much more confident starting secondary school and a bit more ‘streetwise.’ He actually commented that some of his peers from primary school who were a bit more ‘mollycoddled’ (his words!) noticeably struggled more to make the transition.”

Get Talking Understandably many children get anxious before they start a new school or go back to school for a new year.

Try to reassure them and keep channels of communication open. Fiona says: “Tell your children to remember that this isn’t just new to you, but to everyone in your year.

You’re not alone”. Reading books about starting school can be helpful: just try to keep them busy with other distractions too so that the build-up isn’t all consuming (for you and them!).

Mark the Last Day Ruth says, “If you can, plan a nice day out to say goodbye to the holidays. Do it maybe the week before they go back so you can have a quiet, calm day on the last day of the holidays. Also, organise playdates towards the end so that the kids don’t feel fearful about returning to the school environment.”

Pernilla likes to make the last day of the hols memorable. “To make the summer holiday go out with a bang, we always make sure to get all the jobs done beforehand and then have a day out doing something fun on the day before school starts.”

• •

•

•

We’ve had a five year old testing this for us… and pleased to report no leaks so far!

Smart flip top springs open with a single push and the added lid lock clicks in place, preventing accidental leakages No awkward ‘straws’ to clean Soft-touch, scratch proof ‘frosted’ textured grip for wee hands Made from BPA free, phthalate free, non-toxic TRITAN With a great range of fun styles aimed at 3-9 year olds, the 350ml bottle can be found in the following designs: Unicorns, Llamas, Fruit, Ladybirds, Bees or Monkeys. £10.99 - £11.99 The bigger ION8 500ml version comes in the following designs: HasWorld, Ecology, Llamas, Unicorns, Hearts, Sports or Sealife. £11.99 - £12.99 www.leakproof.co.uk

If you’re interested in testing future products, please email editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

Naming made easy Used by parents across the UK, the Snappy Tag system is a ‘one click’ method for securely & quickly labelling multiple garments with your child’s name.

Parents or children can tag their uniforms quickly using the hand held applicator – push, click, snapped on.

The Snappy Tags system is a secure, quick and easy way of labelling your children’s personal items; saving unnecessary expenditure along with reducing lost property in schools. The tags are re-usable as they can be removed with our special applicator, simply buy more backs and re-attach.

Our laser-etched tags are guaranteed not to fade or come off in the wash or tumble dryer. The tags are about the size of a small button and are available in ‘25’s or ‘50’s, in black or white.

Snappy Tags work closely with PTAs and schools in the UK and offer a 10% commission scheme to schools who sign up to the scheme.

Visit www.snappytags.co.uk for details.

Families Central Scotland 13

Out and About On now until 6th October

Gladiators – A Cemetery of Secrets at Callendar House www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Sunday 23rd June Gladiator School Family Workshops at Callendar House Join Gladys, Gladiator trainer, to find out if you’ve got what it takes to enter the arena and make mini Gladiator shields to take home and practise with. Suitable for families age 8+. For booking call 01324 506850.

Friday 28th June to Thursday 11th July Toy Story 4 Bo’ness Hippodrome, various times. www.hippodromecinema.co.uk

Saturday 29th June Open Day at Little Stars Nursery, Stirling Have an opportunity to see around the nursery and chat to staff. 10am - 1pm. www.littlestarsnurseries.net Revolution Festival at The Falkirk Wheel Celebrate school being out with plenty of loud music, water activities, giant stand up paddle boards, face painting, circus acts and Highland Games. www.scottishcanals.co.uk/falkirk-wheel Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th June Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace For tickets phone 0131 668 8885.

Mondays throughout July and August Falconry Display at The Wallace Monument Alba Falconry will be on site to provide an insight into these birds of prey. www.nationalwallacemonument. com

Tuesdays throughout July and August Archery for All at The Wallace Monument Visitors are invited to try archery when they visit on any Tuesday in July or August. www.nationalwallacemonument. com

Tuesday 2nd July Paw prints and poos at Linlithgow Palace Get closer to our local wildlife and learn how to read the clues they leave behind. For information contact 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out & About section, please remember that venues may make changes and it is worth checking dates and times before setting out.

Thursdays throughout July and August

Warrior Training at The Wallace Monument Visit the weapons table to see a collection of replica weapons and armour and have a go at some gruesome games. www.nationalwallacemonument. com

Fridays throughout July and August Family Fridays at The Wallace Monument Face painting, battle scar makeup, balloon swords and RSPB information stand www. nationalwallacemonument.com

Saturday 6th July Bird Kites at Muiravonside Country Park Up, Up and Away!

Come and build a bird kite at Muiravonside Country Park courtyard. Once you have finished, have fun running around the park and watching it fly. Suitable for 4+.

10am – 1pm. Booking essential as places limited. 01324 506850.

Meet Muiravonside Country Park Visitor Centre.

Howie’s Kids Club at Howgate Shopping Centre, Falkirk Kids Club favourite Uncle Billy returns with his one man show to entertain families with music, puppet shows, magic and more. www.howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th July Jacobites! At Doune Castle Contact the rangers on 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot

Monday 8th to Sunday 14th July Giraffe Tall Tales at Blair Drummond Safari Park Find out all about your favourite long necked animal. Included in standard admission price. www.blairdrummond.com

Tuesday 9th July Get a Wriggle On! at Linlithgow Palace Join a hunt for all things that slither and slide. Aimed at children aged 8- 12; must be accompanied by an adult. Phone 0131 6528150 or contact rangers@hes.scot

Thursday 11th July Heartbreak Productions present Romeo and Juliet In a world of fakery, what becomes of true love? Join us for this super glam outdoor adaptation of Shakespeare’s star-crossed lovers as you’ve never seen it before.

Callendar Park. 6.30pm.

Adult £14 | Child £11 | Family £45 Age 8+ Call 01324 506850 to book.

14 Families Central Scotland

Friday 12th July to Thursday 18th July (ex Tues and Wed) Secret Life of Pets 2 Bo’ness Hippodrome, various times. www. hippodromecinema.co.uk Saturday 13th July Sensory Saturday at Jupiter Wildlife Centre Explore the great outdoors using all your senses.

Suitable for ages 5-12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Saturday 13th to Sunday 28th July Callander and Trossachs Summerfest A huge variety of events and activities for all ages. www.incallander.co.uk/summerfest Sunday 14th and Tuesday 23rd July Feed the Animals at Muiravonside Country Park Come and join the stock keeper on a tour around the farm, meet the animals up close and get to feed some of them by hand. Booking essential as places limited: 01324 506850. £3.50 per person. Please check with the venue as dates may be subject to change.

Thursday 18th July The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show Howden Park Centre, Livingston 01506 340 700

Friday 19th July Art in the Park at Muiravonside Country Park Come and help the countryside ranger make a large piece of sculpture for the park.

Also enjoy a 45min self-guided walk around our 7-piece sculpture trail. Free/drop-in; suggested donation £1. 1-3pm.

Friday 19th to Sunday 21st July Doune The Rabbit Hole Music Festival at Cardross Estate Super family-friendly music festival with fantastic live bands, food, walk about art trail, workshops and loads more. For line up and tickets visit www.dounetherabbithole.co.uk Friday 19th July to Thursday 1st August The Lion King Bo’ness Hippodrome, various times. www.hippodromecinema.co.uk

Saturday 20th July

beach art and games! Booking essential. Contact 0131 652 8150 or rangers@hes.scot Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July Pirates Ahoy at Loch Katrine www.lochkatrine.com

Sunday 21st July Gladiator School Family Workshops at Callendar House Join Gladys, Gladiator trainer, to find out if you’ve got what it takes to enter the arena and make mini Gladiator shields to take home and practise with. Suitable for families age 8+. For booking call 01324 506850.

Monday 22nd to Friday 26th July Ready Steady Show! Musical Theatre Summer School at FTH Theatre An incredible week of musical theatre working on scenes, songs and dances from some of the biggest hits on Broadway! For tickets and bookings phone 01324 506850. Performance Friday 26th at 7pm.

Monday 22nd to Sunday 28th July The big-cat-tastic! at Blair Drummond Safari Park Find out all about your favourite big cats.

Included in standard admission price. www.blairdrummond.com

Tuesday 23rd July Heartbreak Productions present Gangsta Granny at The Helix Heartbreak Productions invite you to share in this exciting escapade.

Join Ben and his Gangsta Granny on their grandest adventure full of forbidden fun. Come prepared with picnics and appropriate outdoor gear. Lots of fun for David Walliams fans. www.thehelix.co.uk

Thursday 25th July Y Dance Project Y 2019 at Macrobert Arts Centre Dance works created by top choreographers and performed by some of the UK’s best young contemporary dancers. www.macrobertartscentre.org

Saturday 27th July Bees are Brilliant at Jupiter Wildfire Centre Join the rangers to find out why these fluffy wee beasties are so important to us and how we can help them flourish. Suitable for ages 5 to 12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

Coastal Capers at Blackness Castle Head to the beach for a fun afternoon of rockpooling,

Fam Familiesonline.co.uk

Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July Elmer the Patchwork Elephant Show at Macrobert Arts Centre Based on the classic children’s book series

by David McKee this is a celebration of individuality and the power of laughter! Elmer is a patchwork of brilliant colours! His fun-loving and cheerful personality keeps everyone in a playful mood.

Featuring a menagerie of 21 loveable puppets, this is a great show for children of all ages. www.macrobertartscentre.org Sunday 28th July Eco Fayre at Macrobert Arts Centre Browse stalls from organisations like Plantlife Scotland and the RSPB, exploring simple changes we can all make to help take care of our environment.

There will also be some hands-on activities. www. macrobertartscentre.org Funbox present Space Race at Devonhall, Tillicoultry www.funbox.co.uk Monday 29th July to Sunday 4th August Predators of the Sky at Blair Drummond Safari Park Find out all about these amazing birds of prey. Included in standard admission price. www.blairdrummond.com Saturday 3rd Augus Howie’s Kids Club at Howgate Shopping Centre, Falkirk Children will learn how to make their own slime and decorate their own slime pot to take it home in! We’ll also have slime stretching competitions and children will have their own straw to blow the biggest slime bubbles! www.howgateshoppingcentre. co.uk

Monday 5th to Sunday 11th August Rhino Awareness Week at Blair Drummond Safari Park Find out all about these amazing animals and what is being done to protect them.

Included in standard admission price. www.blairdrummond.com

Friday 9th August Milkshake Live Milkshake Monkey’s Musical at FTH Theatre This brand new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org

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Friday 9th and Saturday 10th August Rubber Chicken Theatre presents Chitty Chitty Bang Bang at Macrobert Arts Centre One of the world’s favourite musicals, this will have audiences of all ages flying high with its mixture of madness, intrigue and exuberance. www.macrobertartscentre.org

Saturday 10th August Jupiter’s Great Wildflower Hunt at Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Suitable for all ages. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Summerfest at Blairmains Farm Shop and Coffee Bothy Featuring 30 local producers and children’s entertainment with inflatable fun and arts and crafts, this is a great family day out. Central FM will be broadcasting live from the event, playing music and running competitions. 10am 4pm. www.blairmains.com

Sunday 11th and Tuesday 21st August Feed the Animals at Muiravonside Country Park Booking essential as limited places. For tickets phone 01324 506850. Please confirm dates with the venue when booking.

Tuesday 13th August X Marks the Spot Orienteering challenge, Linlithgow Palace & Peel rangers@hes.scot

Saturday 17th August Wild at Art! At Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Join the ranger as we get arty in the Wild Woods and use natural materials to create masterpieces! Suitable for ages 5-12. For information contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Sruighlea Festival and Stirling Highland Games A great blend of traditional Highland Games competitions; a traders’ village with arts & crafts stalls; a foodie festival; activities for the kids; plus live music into the evening. www.sruighlea.scot

Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th August Lazy Lemur Weekend at Blair Drummond Safari Park Find out all about these animals.

Included in standard admission price. www.blairdrummond.com

Sunday 18th August Canal Fun Day Linlithgow Canal Centre www.lucs.org.uk

Saturday 24th August The Strathcarron Swamp Challenge Cloybank Estate, Banknock. Over two miles of wet, muddy obstacles and real live Swamp Beasties lurking in dens around the course ready to play pranks on unsuspecting participants… are you brave enough to take them on? Music, bouncy castles, stalls, photo booth, tombola and Central Scotland Fire Brigade. Coffee shop and BBQ. Suitable for families and groups; minimum age 7+. See www.strathcarronhospice. net for details and fundraising targets.

Exercise classes for Mums and little ones. 1 hour Cardio & Tone or 30 mins legs, bums & tums classes.

Little ones of any age welcome to cheer on Mum, join in, run wild or sleep. Expectant mummies also welcome, plus not so new mummies!

Classes at Blair Drummond Safari Park, The PEAK and Bridge of Allan For more details email: mumsontherunstirling@outlook.com or call 07555 964 201

Shark in the Park at Macrobert Arts Centre Share the magic of Nick Sharratt’s well-loved children’s book live on stage in this brand new show! This wonderful family adventure features a highly talented cast of actor-musicians and some very catchy songs! www.macrobertartscentre.org Dazzling Dragons & Delightful Damsels at Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Come along to explore the world of these aerial acrobats. Suitable for ages 5-12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk

Saturday 31st August X Marks the Spot at Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Test your map reading skills to complete the ultimate treasure hunt around the reserve. Suitable for ages 5-12. Contact the ranger on falkirkranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Kelpies Canter at The Helix Enjoy a stunning 5k route round the Kelpies and join in for the picnic afterwards on The Great Lawn. www.thehelix.co.uk Capital Sci-Fi Con Falkirk Invasion at Howgate Shopping Centre An action-packed day for comic fans of all ages. www.howgateshoppingcentre. co.uk

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.

Courses available during Courses available in the summer the school holidays holidays: 1st - 4th July 2019 13th - 16th August 2019

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