Families Glasgow Nov-Dec 2014

Glasgow’s really useful magazine for families with children aged 0-12

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Issue 48 Nov/Dec 2014

drama for the early years

07736298013 www.monkeydrama.co.uk ALANA@MONKEYDRAMA.CO.UK

Places available from Birth-5 years

www.somersetnursery.com 6 Fitzroy Place Glasgow G3 7RH

Mister MacNeep has lost his Sheep!

A brrrr-illiant new musical show for 3 to 5 year olds

Book Now! See inside for details

In this issue…

2-3

News and Views

4-5

Clubs and Classes

6

Independent Schools

7

Winter Time

9

Young Readers

Winter Fun at Gambado!

10-11 Ready for Christmas 12-13 Christmas Gift Guide 14-16 Festive Shows & Events Guide

Get in touch Editor: Anna Wignall editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 07796 946661 Keep up to date at www.familiesglasgow.co.uk or find us on facebook Next issue - Jan/Feb 2015. Special features: Parties / Nurseries & Childcare / New Year New You Health Special.

Copy deadline: 5 December. Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more.

We take every care in preparing this magazine but the publishers cannot be held responsible for the claims made by advertisers.

Designed by kris@grafikfabrik.co.uk.

Printed By Warners (Midlands) plc.

Families Glasgow copies are FREE and available through a selected network of distribution outlets through Glasgow.

Front page photo: Poppy www. poppyengland.com Tel: 01642 790000 Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine June 2013.

Disclaimer: Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owners risk and, whilst every care is taken, neither Families Glasgow nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Glasgow is part of the Families group established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of the advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.

Stamp out bullying National Anti-Bullying Week takes place 17-21 November, with this year’s theme of Let’s Stop Bullying Together. The Anti-Bullying Week website is packed with resources for schools, parents and children, plus online workshops and short films on how to survive bullying. To accompany National Anti-Bullying Week, Actionwork is running Anti-Bullying Month throughout November, with a theme of Creatively Dealing with Bullying. The Anti-Bullying Roadshow tours the UK with a packed spectacle showcasing a variety of strategies in dealing with bullying, and highlighting ways to empowerment.

Music and science, strategies and up-todate research on bullying are all used in the workshops, plus they run Anti-Bullying Puppet Shows for younger children and creative cyberbullying workshops for older kids.

Bullying can happen to anyone at any age and at any time. National Anti-Bullying Week recommends ChildLine as an excellent resource on how to spot bullying, possible reasons of why bullying occurs and suggestions on how to stop it.

ChildLine offers free support 24 hours a day on 0800 1111 or www.childline. co.uk. Find out more about bullying and how to stop it, as well as everything you need to know about Anti-Bullying Week at www.antibullyingweek.co.uk. Closing date for the Let’s Stop Bullying Together competition is 12 December 2014.

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Gambado is located in Soar, just a few minutes from Braehead Shopping centre.

Why not combine shopping with some fun for the kids. With a large playframe and interactive fun, gated sensory toddler area, baby pod, imagination zone and free Go-kart and climbing wall suitable for little ones and parents.

There is lots going on too this winter! Follow Gambado on Facebook, Gambado Glasgow to find out about its character breakfasts perfect for toddlers, Christmas disco & Scotland’s first ever Kids Hogmanay party from 11.30-3pm on 31st December. Go along and ring in the bells with the centre’s special guest first footer, see the piper, dance and play! Ticket can be booked on-line via the Facebook page to all events.

Gambado is also the venue for fantastic birthday parties. As well as fully hosted soft-play parties where you can relax and let them do the work (and tidying up!) they offer Princess Parties, choose your favourite princess including Gambado’s own Ailsa to party with. Foam Dart Frenzy Parties (4-12yrs) for kids that love all things Nerf and need a huge and safe battle ground. Make A Bear with great quality teddies and animals to take home and love and toddler mid-week gatherings.

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All party information can be found at www.gambado.com.

SPECIAL OFFER - All winter babies of Families Glasgow readers are offered a 10% saving on all birthday parties booked and held by 31st December 2014. To book or find out more please call the party line on 0844 375 9494. Don’t forget your tickets to their fantastic Hogmanay party!

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T: 0141 5737299 E: bearsden.lenzie@monkeymusic.co.uk

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independent News schools & Views 2013

Photographs to treasure this Christmas with Beau & Belle Portraits Make someone’s Christmas extra special this year with quality children and family photographs to treasure. Beau & Belle Portraits is a family-run portrait photography business based in the Southside of Glasgow. With a little toddler of their own they understand how important it is to document and share these early stages. Portrait sessions are tailored for newborns and toddlers alike and include both natural light, at play and studio style portraits. Parents or other family members are very welcome too. Their aim is to provide you with beautifully natural portraits for all the family to cherish.

Relaxed portrait sessions last between 60 – 90 minutes with all images provided in an online password protected gallery.

Standard portrait sessions are available from £29 and there is no obligation to buy and never any hard sell. Beau & Belle are currently offering an all inclusive Christmas package for £189 which includes your portrait session, 4 x 6x4's, 4 x 7x5's and large 8x10 print. The Christmas package also includes all session images provided on disc in both black & white and colour and the disc is provided with full printing rights allowing you to outsource further photographic gifts for all the family. Pre Christmas sessions are limited however so please enquire early to make a booking.

For more information or to book a session please visit www.beauandbelleportraits.co.uk or email Craig & Karen at info@beauandbelleportraits.co.uk Don't forget for all things Christmassy, Glasgow Loves Christmas has six weeks of magical events, shopping and festive fun planned starting from Sunday 16 November.

www.glasgowloveschristmas.com

19 DEC - 11 JAN, SECC, GLASGOW EUROPE’S LARGEST INDOOR FUNFAIR! www.irn-bru-carnival.com 08444 999 990 Entry price: £13 – includes 10 vouchers Free entry for kids aged 3 & under Closed Christmas Day

Families Glasgow

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Clubs & Classes

Rugbytots has moved Rugbytots has a new West End venue having moved to a larger hall at Kelvinside Academy from 25th October. Rugbytots venues in Glasgow will now be Kelvinside Academy and Maxwell Mearns Parish Church, Newton Mearns on Saturday mornings and Bishopbriggs Scout Hall on Sunday mornings.

For more information contact Sandra Lockhart on Tel: 0845 313 3252 / Mob: 0771 474 9693 or visit www.rugbytots.co.uk

New classes at Monkey Music

Free trial classes at Monkey Drama Monkey Drama classes are a fantastic way for children aged 2-5 to explore their imaginations. Our classes, nursery sessions and parties run across Glasgow and Edinburgh and each week the children go on a different themed adventure. At Monkey Drama you can be a Pirate looking for treasure, an explorer on Safari, a busy Bee making honey, an astronaut, a frog, a chef…with drama the possibilities are endless! Each class is full of music, movement, characters, role play, improvisation, problem solving and fun with lots of props. Book a FREE trial now.

Classes run at Broomhill Community Church every Friday at either 9.45am or 11am and last for 45 minutes.

Contact alana@monkeydrama.co.uk to book, visit www. monkeydrama.co.uk or call 07736298013. Classes cost £19 for a block of 4 or £36 for a block of 8. Booking is essential.

Great News

At Monkey Music, we know that music is fundamental to a preschool child’s development. Our progressive and educational 4 stage curricula are designed to nurture a lifetime of music: Rock’n’Roll, Heigh-Ho, Jiggety-Jig to Ding-Dong, classes are a good fit for each separate age group. By the time our little monkeys graduate, they have a sound base from which to build a musical future – and it’s amazing to watch each child’s confidence and self-esteem grow as their involvement with the class increases. It’s so much fun for both children and adults!

Our especially written Rock’n’Roll classes for babies from 3 months, enable little ones to flourish in a stimulating musical environment, whilst offering precious bonding time between each adult and child.

We’d love to welcome you for your FREE class, so that you can see what it’s all about! New afternoon classes too!

Please contact Fiona on 0141 573 7299 or email: bearsden.lenzie@monkeymusic.co.uk

VISIT WWW.FAMILIESGLASGOW.CO.UK FOR LOTS MORE CLUBS AND CLASSES FOR ALL AGES ACROSS GLASGOW. Packed full of information, contact details and useful articles our website it's THE website for families living in Glasgow!

You now have two great choices for safe, exciting and nurturing childcare in Glasgow.

Simply arrange a visit to one of our local nurseries and see what all the smiles are about.

Christmas Family Package only

£189

60 - 90 Minute Portrait Session 1x (8x10”) Print 4x (6x4”) Prints 4x (7x5”) Prints

Pre School

Fund Availa ing ble

Babies to 5 years 4

Nov/Dec 2014

70 Kelvin Avenue, Hillington, G52 4LY. Call: 0141 570 4080 Melisa House, Suite 0/1, 3 Brand Place, Govan, G51 1DR. Call: 0141 427 0020

www.littlestarsnurseries.net Families Glasgow

2x Wallet prints All images supplied on disc t 07767 313910

e info@beauandbelleportraits.co.uk

www.beauandbelleportraits.co.uk

Clubs & Classes

Stay Games Active with Young Glasgow

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e’ve just experienced the biggest sporting event this country has ever seen and Young Glasgow are challenging all under 18’s in the city to STAY GAMES ACTIVE by keeping fit and healthy or even by trying out a new sport!

If your kids could do with a break from the TV, here’s a taster of what else they could be doing…

Join a club If they fancy trying out a new sport, there are a huge range of clubs running across the city from football and rugby to gymnastics and athletics plus more. Whatever their sporting preference, there’s something for kids to enjoy and at the same time keep fit, develop skills in a new sport and make new friends!

Swim for free If a club isn’t their thing, they can swim for free at any of the 12 Glasgow Life pools just by showing their Glasgow Kidz Card!

Book a free football pitch There are free 5-a-side football pitches available to Kidz Card holders every Wednesday from 4-5pm at; Glasgow Club Crownpoint, Emirates Arena, Glasgow Club Scotstoun, Barlia Football Centre, Glasgow Club Petershill and Glasgow Green Football Centre.

Find more activities to get involved in at youngglasgow.org.uk

STAY GAMES ACTIVE

Glasgow 2014 inspired me to use my Kidz Card to swim for free every week at my local pool.

VISIT youngglasgow.org.uk for more info Families Glasgow

Nov/Dec 2014

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Independent Schools

JU NIOR SCHOOL We are happy to arrange a visit to the Junior School for interested parents at any time during the school year.

SE NIOR SCHOOL OP E N EVE NING Monday 10 November 2014 at 7.00pm All prospective parents considering the High School of Glasgow are warmly invited to attend.

E NTRANCE ARRANGE M E NTS 2 0 1 5 Our main entr y points are, Kindergar ten, a pre-primar y one year and Junior 1 for the Junior School and Transitus (Primar y 7) and First Year, for the Senior School.

We also have vacancies at some other age groups.

Infor mal inter views are held for Kindergar ten and Junior 1 during Januar y.

Tests for Juniors 2 to 6 and Transitus to Four th Year will be held this year on Wednesday 21 January 2015.

Please contact us for any other infor mation you may need.

Junior School: 0141 942 0158 | adminjs@hsog.co.uk Senior School: 0141 954 9628 | rector@hsog.co.uk www. g l a sgo w h i gh . c o m T h e H i g h S c h oo l o f G l a sgo w L t d . R e g i s t e r e d C h a r i t y N o . S C O 1 4 7 6 8

ST ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE BORN FOR GREATER THINGS

Company Limited by Guarantee No. SC405951. Registered Charity No. SCO42545

“A journey of discernment, a fulfilling adventure...”

OPEN EVENTS 2014 OPEN EVENING: ursday, 13th November 6.45pm for 7pm start OPEN MORNING: Saturday, 22nd November 10am - 12 noon

www.staloysius.org Tel: 0141 332 3190 | Email: mail@staloysius.org 6

Nov/Dec 2014

Families Glasgow

Winter Time

Winter Clothing Tried & Tested

Families Glasgow Recommends...

Snow Much Fun! Kit kids out for the ski slopes in Kozi Kidz’ award-winning Alaska Parka.

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ittle skiers can look cool and keep warm at the same time this winter in Kozi Kidz’ adorable Alaska Parka. Designed in and inspired by the harsh climate of Sweden, the Alaska Parka combines its on-trend appearance with high-quality fabrics and advanced features that provide ultimate protection against the coldest winter conditions.

It offers 100% protection from the wind, rain, snow and cold temperatures. Uniquely blending fashion and function, the Alaska Parka is made from durable polyester fabric that is both waterproof and completely breathable to guarantee your child remains dry and comfortable.

Available for both boys and girls, the parka features cosy polyester padding for maximum warmth when temperatures drop. Designed for optimum performance, water-resistant zips, a full-length storm flap and fully taped seams ensure that even the smallest droplet of water won’t seep inside the jacket. Inner adjusters and generous dimensions combine to provide a jacket that not only offers a secure fit to keep the cold at bay but is also capable of growing with your child and taking you from one cold season to the next.

Each jacket has a fully adjustable and easily detached hood with a plush and stylish removable fake fur trim that is perfect for keeping snow and wind away from your child’s face. Colours available include Black, Nautical Blue, Red and Berry.

For added safety, the Alaska Parkas also benefit from integrated reflectors, helping to boost your child’s visibility in dark or rainy conditions.

For more information about the Alaska Parka and the fantastic thermal base layers clothing perfect for winter visit www.kozikidz.com.

Keep Kids Warm Outdoors this Winter with Craghoppers Insulating Jacket & Trouser Combo Come rain or shine kids want to play in the outdoors. Craghoppers new kids Compresslite Jacket and insulating Winter Lined Kiwi Trousers are the perfect combination to keep them warm and protected during their outdoor adventures this winter.

New to the Craghoppers range for AW14 and part of its Kids Outdoor range, the Compresslite Jacket features windproof ClimaPlus insulation, to offer unbeatable protection against both the cold and wind.

This lightweight jacket also packs away into its own bag for ease of storage and transportation. The boy’sCompresslite comes in Bright Green, while the girls’ comes in Bright Magenta. Both are available in sizes from 5 up to 13.

Craghoppers flagship Kiwi trouser range is also available for the younger outdoor adventurer and the Kiwi Winter Lined Trousers are the perfect partner for the Compresslite this season.

A comfortable winter trouser with a warm lining, the Kiwi Winter Lined Trousers offer additional benefits in the form of an easy care Wash & Wear fabric construction, SolarShield UV protection and SmartDry technology, which repels both dirt and moisture - perfect for kids who like to get stuck in in the outdoors! Plus being a cargo trouser, there are plenty of pockets for outdoor essentials and anything else kids might pick up along the way! Available in sizes 5-13 years in Black, Dark Navy, Granite and Light Bark for both boys and girls.

Stockists: www.craghoppers.com or tel. 0161 749 1300.

We’ve tried out all these items and can highly recommend.

Great quality winter wear!!!

‘Home from home’ at Chilly Powder Planning ahead for your next winter holiday? Then Chilly Powder (www.chillypowder.com) is worth a look. Francesca, Paul and their 3 children - Ben, Eloise & Jamie Eyre - live in Morzine in France all year round and have a good knowledge of Alpine traditions and the Morzine people. Having adapted their chalet holiday style over the years to suit the tastes of their regular guests, they offer the perfect ski holiday for either families, couples or mixed groups in relaxing luxury, with fantastic food and outstanding facilities.

Chilly Powder (http://www.chillypowder.com/) have been operating catered chalet ski holidays since 1996. The genuine ski to the door location of their 3 luxury catered ski chalets with unrivalled in-house childcare facilities sets them apart from other ski chalets in Morzine, France.

All bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms, there is an outdoor hot tub, sauna and massage room and in-house childcare is provided in their own crèche. Their ski chalets are unique in

Morzine for small or large groups or for individual families with children or babies. With excellent food, friendly staff and relaxing atmosphere of their chalets make it the perfect winter holiday destination. For many returning guests Chilly Powder it is considered a real home from home.

Families Glasgow

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THE GLASGOW ACADEMY

Open Events KELVINBRIDGE, G12 8HE Tues 4 November 6.30pm - 8.30pm

MILNGAVIE, G62 8NP Tues 11 November 9.30am - 11.30am

DAIRSIE, G43 2JG Wed 12 November 9.30am - 11.30am

KELVINBRIDGE, G12 8HE Wed 19 November 9.30am - 11.30am Our Nurseries at Kelvinbridge, Milngavie and Dairsie take children from the age of 3. For an information pack, call Suzanne on 0141 342 5494 or e-mail her at exrel@tga.org.uk

www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk

Choice | Diversity | Excellence

Thinking about an independent school?

Scotland’s independent schools are as diverse as the children who attend and offer a wide range of opportunities in vibrant learning environments.

For information and advice on applying and meeting the cost, speak to The Scottish Council of Independent Schools

0131 556 2316

info@scis.org.uk

www.scis.org.uk

Registered Scottish Charity SCO18033

FREE

!"#$%&' ()*+

Bright Horizons Nurseries and Preschools We have been giving young children boundless opportuni(es to learn through imagina(on, crea(vity and play, while offering parents the peace of mind that comes from knowing their children couldn’t be beCer cared for, in an environment in which they can learn, enjoy themselves and flourish.

Find out more about our naturally inspiring and excep(onal care and educa(on.

Call us now to arrange you visit.

3 nurseries located in the city, East Kilbride, Uddingston area Web: www.brighthorizons.co.uk Tel: 0800 085 4074 Email: parentenquiry@brighthorizons.com *At par(cipa(ng nurseries ‐ please quote Families Glasgow

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Families Glasgow

For Young Readers

Celebrate Book Week Scotland Book Week Scotland returns for the third year running with a national celebration of books and reading for all ages that will take place between 24 and 30 November. Working with a wide range of partners, Scottish Book Trust will deliver a diverse programme of book-related events, projects and activities across the country. Family focussed events in Glasgow include Wild Heather, an interactive adventure for 3-7 yr olds at the Scottish Youth Theatre, Brunswick Street, 28 – 30 November at 1.30pm.

Three free picture books will be gifted to every Primary 1 pupil in Scotland. The Bookbug Primary 1 Family Pack will introduce children who are just beginning their reading journey to some of the best new Scottish children’s books. Older book lovers will be encouraged to write a love letter to their library, raising awareness about the vital contribution libraries make to the lives of many individuals and communities, or make a reading pledge, sharing their own personal reading goals for Book Week Scotland. In addition to this 150,000 free copies of Scotland’s Stories of Home, a specially compiled book featuring stories about home as a place and a concept written by members of the public and featuring contributions from authors including Alan Warner and Kirsty Logan, will be given away via visitor information centres, prisons, hospitals, libraries and bookshops.

For more information about Book Week Scotland visit www.bookweekscotland.com

Books by local authors Dexter’s Football Journal

by E.J.Mann For any football mad young children aged 8-12 check out this book by local author, E.J. Mann from Giffnock. Dexter’s Football Journal by E.J. Mann was released in July 2014 and is available from Amazon and all good bookshops (RRP £6.99). It is about a boy’s fixation with a Spanish football legend and his attempts to contact him and persuade him to become his coach and father figure!

It is set as a diary over a football season and is packed with match scores, training tips as well as being an action-packed story about a football mad boy from Scotland . The book was inspired by the 11 year old son of the author and his love of football. At the time he was obsessed with Cesc Fabregas when he played for Arsenal and wanted him to join the family! This gave his mum the idea for the book and Dexter’s Football Journal was born. The book has an easy-tofollow diary format and lots of football graphics - perfect for reluctant reader and any young football fan this Christmas!

Music and Dance for Boys and Girls aged 6 months - 5 years www.ballet4babies.co.uk

The Invincibles

by J.W Patrick JW Patrick is a Scottish writer with a young family. The Invincibles is his first children’s novel for ages 9+. Its a fabulous adventure story about a 12 year old boy trapped in a boarding school in the remote Scottish Highlands who must somehow prove his father innocent of murder and save him from a firing squad. 12 year old Jack Crawford is the only person who can save his dad’s life. Trouble is he’s trapped thousands of miles away in a remote Scottish boarding school. He needs help but his new classmates are a bunch of spoiled, lazy, resentful pre-teens. With time running out, Jack must forge a bunch of misfits into The Invincibles, a crack team of daring escapologists, whip-smart cryptographers, cunning App programmers and robotic engineers. But will The Invincibles risk everything for Jack?

Can they overcome their worst fears, face a ghost, crack a secret code, unmask a traitor, evade a trained killer and when the time comes… seize complete control of their school?

For more information on JW Patrick visit his website and blog at www.jwpatrick.co.uk where you can also purchase The Invincibles in paperback format or as an e-book. Also available on Amazon.

Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Year Round Children & Families Programme Shows, Workshops, Birthday Parties

PUPPETS & MAGIC FOR ALL Magipup Festival 11-19 Oct 2014 Miss Claire info@ballet4babies.co.uk

0775 911 9965

info@maskandpuppet.co.uk www.maskandpuppet.co.uk

07505 144 476 info@thelanguagehub.co.uk

Tel: 0141 339 6185

Glasgow based language school offering modern language classes and bilingual support classes for children between the ages of 6 months and 11 years.

8-10 Balcarres Ave, Kelvindale Glasgow G12 0QF

Families Glasgow

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Get ready for Christmas If you’re stuck for inspiration we’ve come up with some ideas to get you started…

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Start a new family tradition this Christmas…

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pening the advent calendar and counting down the days until Christmas is always exciting for little ones, but for us parents having to either try and refuse chocolate before school, or defuse the arguments over whose turn it is today – or both! – it can be less than fun. So why not forgo the chocolate this year, and make a Christmas activity advent calendar instead?

Write a list of different Christmas-themed or special activities that you can enjoy as a family, and put one activity in each day of the advent calendar. You can make them as simple or as elaborate as you like – whatever works for you! If your children are usually tired after school try and keep the weekday activities quieter, then you can enjoy the more active ones at the weekend.

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Decorate the Christmas tree Make paper snowflakes Bake and decorate gingerbread men Write a Christmas poem Create a collage with Christmas stickers Go sledging and have a snowball fight Make salt dough decorations Donate some toys to charity Make Christmas wrapping paper (potato-prints onto brown paper) Make Christmas cards Try out a new winter sport Dance around the living room to Christmas music Make ‘Jingle Bell’ bracelets (thread small bells onto a pipe cleaner) Bake mince pies Visit your local garden centre’s Winter Wonderland Make a Christmas tree (shape green paper into a cone and decorate with pom poms, sequins, etc.)

Make handprint baubles for grandparents Have a ‘candle-lit’ bubble bath with LED tea-lights or glowsticks (make sure the tea-lights can’t fall into the bath) Go to the library for Christmas books Make snowman pictures with cotton wool Turn yourselves into dancing elves at www.jibjab.com Make ‘reindeer food’ (oats, raisins and glitter) Watch ‘The Snowman’ (don’t panic if you haven’t got it on DVD, it’s on Youtube!)

Visit a local Christmas festival (see our Christmas events listings on our website)

Handy tip: Keep a separate list of which activities you’ve put in each day, so that you can refer back to it and swap them around if necessary (helpful if you’ve chosen sledging as an activity but it doesn’t snow!).

Shop locally this Christmas and give more than just presents…

By Fellow Families Editor Sal Jefford.

Christmas is upon us once again, and unless you are amazingly prepared, there’s shopping to be done! The big retailers have been bombarding us for weeks, and you can rarely walk down the street or switch on the television without seeing adverts for this year’s Christmas must-haves.

Enjoyable shopping But what about the things that the big businesses don’t offer?

Often products and services small businesses can excel at providing – handmade goods and locally produced items, indepth product knowledge and personalised advice, customer service, a friendly and enjoyable shopping experience.

Supporting the local economy Added to all of this, when you buy local you are making an important contribution to your community’s economy.

Spending money with local businesses causes a ripple-effect, as those businesses in turn spend locally, and on and on. A variety of research tells us that when £10 is spent in a local shop, between £16 and £50 goes back into the local economy, helping to improve local prosperity and create jobs.

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Families Glasgow

Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday UK is a grassroots, non-political, noncommercial campaign, which highlights small business success and encourages consumers to ‘shop local’ and support small businesses in their communities. The day itself takes place on the first shopping Saturday in December each year, but the campaign aims to have a lasting impact on small businesses.

In 2014 Small Business Saturday UK will take place on Saturday December 6th.

Will you shop local this Christmas and support your local economy?

Also don’t forget all the independent retailers including market traders this Christmas. There are some wonderful original gifts and decorations sold at markets and christmas fairs this time of year.

For markets and fairs near you, check out the what’s on listings at www.familiesglasgow.co.uk....

Get ready for Christmas

The Irn-Bru Carnival at the SECC - 19 Dec to 11 Jan

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rom Friday 19 December 2014 until Sunday 11 January 2015* the IRN-BRU Carnival, is set to take over the SECC, Glasgow once again.

Celebrating 94 years of family fun, the Carnival is Europe’s largest indoor funfair with over 60 rides and attractions. With new and exciting additions this year, it’s set to be even bigger and better than ever before.

For kids both big and small, the firm favourites are back again. There’s fun for all the family on the Teacups, Dodgems and Carousel whilst older families will enjoy the Drop Zone and Speed Buzz. This year there will also be theme days, giving kids and grown-ups alike the chance to dress up as their favourite childhood characters. So dig out those costumes because the IRN-BRU Carnival is going to be overrun by pirates, princesses, superheroes, villains and many more.

For the first time ever there is an exclusive offer for the over 60's with a whopping £5 off** the entry price. That means, everyone aged 60 or over will only pay £8 on entry by simply showing their bus pass.

Whether it's your Nana, Papa, Great Auntie or your elderly neighbour why not bring them along to join in the fun!

As a family ‘must do’, make sure to visit the IRN-BRU Carnival this year as part of your family’s festive fun!

Entry price is £13 with visitors receiving ten vouchers which can be used on all rides and most stalls*** (each ride is one voucher and stalls are two vouchers). *Closed Christmas Day ** Offer available throughout the duration of the Carnival 19 December - 11 January (closed Christmas Day). Please present a valid OAP bus pass or other form of age ID to the Ticket Box to claim your £8 entry and receive 10 vouchers. Not available in conjunction with any other offer. ***Some stalls are cash taking * Theme days will be on Monday 22 December 2014, Saturday 3 January 2015 and Saturday 10 January 2015.

Mister MacNeep has lost his Sheep!

A brrrr-illiant new musical show for 3 to 5 year olds

Fri 28 Nov – Sun 7 Dec 11am & 2pm Scottish Opera Production Studios Edington St, Glasgow G4 9RD Tickets: £6 0141 332 5057 l !"#"$%&'(%)'*%'+, Discounts available for group bookings (Booking fees apply - 50p per card transaction)

Also visiting Lanark and Peebles

For more information, go to

scottishopera.org.uk

Scottish Opera is core funded by

Registered in Scotland Number SCO37531 Scottish Charity Number SCO19787

Families Glasgow

Nov/Dec 2014 11

Christmas Gift Guide

Gift Guide...

Here’s some suggestions for gift ideas for all ages. All these toys should be available from your local toy shops, unless otherwise stated - if not just ask them.

Fisher-Price laugh & learn vacuum Push the vacuum along to hear over 30 songs and phrases, press three light-up shape buttons and toggle the on/off switch to activate more.

Featuring Smart Stages™ technology, where you can select the stage that's best for your child.

Suitable for 12 months plus, RRP £24.99

Personalised Puzzle Personalised presents are such a unique gift. They will also be a cherished memorabilia for generations to come.

Also personalised bags, stationery, stickers and much more.

Free ship code: JOY from Tinyme.co.uk *Offer ends 04.01.15. £19.99

First Sewing Kit Stegosaurus Britain’s best loved craft brand Buttonbag has a brilliant selection of craft kits designed to bring out the creative side in everyone, boy or girl.

Buttonbag is a British craft brand with a loyal following of fans. All kits are priced between £10 and £20 and contain an assortment of beautiful and contemporary fabrics, wools and trimmings.

RRP £11.95 Ages 4+, www.buttonbag.co.uk

For aspiring astronauts The devil is in the detail with the HAPE Discovery Spaceship. Complete with aliens and astronauts, this charming wooden spaceship and lift-off rocket provide fuel for imaginative explorations into any galaxy.

Perfect pre-schooler present.

RRP £99.99. Age 3+

BRIO Osby horse Timeless toy brand BRIO celebrates their 130th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, they’ve released its classic pull along horse, the first ever toy it produced and an abiding addition to any toddlers’ stocking this festive season. RRP £16.99. Birth through to toddler years

The Mini Hornit

Bizzy Bitz Tremendous developmental and educational benefits, no wonder it has won multiple awards. Create impressive model masterpieces with the easyto-follow instructions or let your imagination run free and build your own amazing creations. The brightly coloured, versatile pieces give endless opportunities to experiment and explore a world of creative possibilities. Guaranteed to keep your children busy.

Suitable for children from 3 - 11+ yrs. £5 to £50. www.bizzy-bitz.com

Galt sensational sequins Anything that promotes children’s creativity should be top of your shoping list. These craft kits are designed to help young children with their hand-eye coordination and cognitive development. Create decorative pictures to hang on their bedroom wall.

RRP from £5.99, available at www.galttoys.com. From 6 yrs.

12 Nov/Dec 2014

Families Glasgow

We love the Mini Hornit! With 25 hilarious sounds and a light, it can be attached on scooters and bikes. It also provides important safety features: it lights the riders’ path as well as gives them the opportunity to warn pedestrians they’re on their way. £19.99 www.thehornit.com

Educational board game PLYT PLYT is the numeracy game that encourages everyone to be their best.

Challenging, fun and competitive for all ages (4+) and abilities to play together. Proven to improve numeracy and endorsed by leading maths consultants and National Numeracy.

The game is currently available only at www.plyt.co.uk at a delivered price of £24.67. Families Glasgow readers can get 10% off if they apply coupon fmgs081.

Christmas Gift Guide

A Guide to Buying a Bike for your Child This Christmas

DO...

make sure when they are holding the bars that there is a slight bend in the elbow and the arm is not fully stretched out or steering may be compromised.

by Dales Cycles

DO...

t’s that time of year again, and the big Christmas question is what is the best bike for me to buy for my darling Princess or wee Soldier?? After all there is nothing more disappointing for a young rider than getting a new Christmas bike that doesn’t fit or falls apart after the first ride.

buy a bike for your child to “grow into” – buy a bike they can safely ride now.

I

Here are our Do’s and Don’ts:DO...

make sure the bike is the correct size for your child, come into Dales Cycles and our professional sales team can help and when the correct size is picked it will be built by our fully trained mechanics.

DO...

get your child to straddle over the top tube with their feet flat on the ground, the top bar should have at least 1-3 inches of clearance from your child’s body.

DO...

get them to sit on the saddle and hold onto the handlebars, the balls of your youngster’s feet should comfortably touch the ground for stability when braking.

DO...

make sure the child can operate the brake lever and pull on it fully with enough force to stop the bike.

get a new cycling helmet at the same time, if they have outgrown a bike chances are the helmet they are wearing is too small as well.

DON’T...

DON’T...

assume your child will like the bike you like, colour and style is important to you and they are important to kids too! Let your child help pick out the bike they like best thus ensuring no Christmas day tears.

DON’T...

buy the cheapest bike you can find. A quality bike has a better resale value when your child outgrows it. Even better a quality bike will last much longer and can be handed down to younger siblings.

Children’s bikes are determined by wheel size so a 3-5 year old will usually be on a 12 inch wheel size, up to a 24 inch size for an 8-11 year old. Buying a child’s bike from Dales Cycle will ensure you are purchasing a lightweight frame with strong durable wheels, soft grips, and a bike that looks like mums or dads bike.

We haven’t forgotten about parents either, at Dales we have a full range of adult bikes from Road, Hybrid and Mountain Bikes to choose from so you can get out with your little cherubs and enjoy a leisurely cycle to burn off all the festive excesses. We have adults and kids bikes from Giant, Specialized, Cube, Scott, Genesis and Ridgeback to choose from, with prices to suit everyone’s budget. www.dalescycles.com

A FESTIVE TREAT TO WARM EVEN THE COLDEST OF HEARTS

FOR ALL YOUR CYCLING CHRISTMAS GIFTS Glasgow's Largest Independent Local Bike Store Packed with the best bikes from Specialized, Giant, Scott, Cube, Mongoose and many more. Some of these brand can be found excusively in the greater Glasgow area, only at Dales Cycles.

We also stock a huge range of bicycle parts and accessories for both the serious and recreational rider.

We carry all key clothing brands in store including Endura, Gore and many more.

BY

FAMILY TICKETS FROM £33-£71

Neil Bartlett 29 NOV '14 ‐ 3 JAN '15 Recommended for 6+

Call: 0330 440 4080

Dales Cycles, 150 Dobbies Loan, Glasgow, G4 OJE 12 St Bryde Street, The Village, East Kilbride, G74 4HQ

www.dalescycles.com

LAURIESTON LIVING BRAND MONO WITH URBAN UNION

LauriestonLiving

by Urban Union

BOOK NOW

LauriestonLiving

by Urban Union

Supported by:

0141 429 0022 citz.co.uk MONO TINTS BREAKDOWN

K100

LauriestonLiving

by Urban Union

K70

Citizens Theatre Ltd. Registered in Scotland No. SC022513 and is a Scottish Charity No. SC001337.

Families Glasgow

Nov/Dec 2014 13

What’s On

Here’s Our Pick Of The Best Christmas Shows And Panto’s This Year...

Don’t miss Scottish Opera’s fantastic seasonal show Mister MacNeep has lost his Sheep! A brrrr-illiant new musical show for 3 to 5 year olds. Grab your little lambs and join this fun-filled festive musical adventure which has been specially created to appeal to 3-5 year olds. Featuring live music, singing and puppets, this 45 minute show offers lots of opportunities for young ones to participate as they help Farmer MacNeep find his favourite sheep, Barry and Barbara.

Poor Farmer MacNeep. It’s the snowiest, sleetiest, windiest winter ever and two of his much-loved sheep are missing. Where on earth can they be? Farmer MacNeep has his farmyard pals to help him on his quest, but we need you too. So don’t be sheepish – book now!

From Friday 28 Nov - Sunday 7 December 11am & 2pm at the Scottish Opera Production Studios, Edington Street.

Tickets cost £6. Call 0141 332 5057 / boxoffice.rcs.ac.uk or visit www.scottishopera.org.uk

Something different for Christmas at the Citizens Theatre Christmas at the Citizens always offers something a little different from the usual festive entertainment and this year is no exception. In the beautiful surroundings of the Citz’ Victorian auditorium, not even the staunchest Scrooge will be able to resist the spirit of Christmas cheer as Charles Dickens’ festive tale A Christmas Carol will be brought to life in a stage adaptation by Neil Bartlett. Christmas card scenes of carol singers, snowy streets, family firesides, Christmas dinners and a spine-tingling tale will come together with a sprinkling of theatrical magic to tell the most festive story of them all.

Directed by Artistic Director Dominic Hill, whose ‘highly imaginative, transfixing productions’ (The Telegraph) have been thrilling audiences and breathing life into classic texts, the Citizens’ production of A Christmas Carol, suitable for 6+ will warm even the coldest of hearts and leave all rejoicing in the Christmas spirit.

For 3 – 6 year olds, there’s a fun musical tale of a wee elf on a big mission to save Christmas in Eric The Elf’s Chaotic Christmas. Eric’s recruiting lots of helpers who love to sing and laugh as much as he does to work together to get all the toys finished in time for Christmas Eve. Tickets available from citz.co.uk / 0141 429 0022

Celebrate the King’s golden pantoversary in swashbuckling style with a brand new title, Peter Pan On board this maiden voyage is star of Gary Tank Commander and Fresh Meat, Greg McHugh, in the role of Smee, Still Game’s Gavin Mitchell is more evil than ever as Captain Hook, and Capital FM presenter Des Clarke makes a hearty return as Starkey. Whether they’re playing a prank or walking the plank, this pirate crew will have you in stitches. River City favourite Scott Fletcher reaches new heights as Peter Pan, the boy who never grew up, and King’s newcomer Joanne McGuinness stars as Wendy in a production featuring breath-taking special effects and spectacular flying.

With all the traditional family fun and games, dazzling costumes and more than a sprinkle of fairy dust, Peter Pan will have audiences of all ages hooked.

Christmas with the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre Heading towards Christmas watch out for Jango’s Christmas Extravaganza with Jango Starr and Lapin Wants to see Santa with Le Petit Monde and finishing with the Great Christmas Puppet Making Workshops on the Sat 20 December in no time at all, you will be making Elves, Reindeer, Penguins, Santa, or a maybe a Christmas fairy, lots of fun.

Visit www.maskandpuppet.co.uk for all shows and special events

NEW FAMILY WHAT’S ON GUIDE ONLINE NOW

www.familiesglasgow.co.uk 10,000+ Listings this festive period in the new families glasgow web listing.

Just type in your location and up they pop!!!

!

For a massive festive family guide including everything from Where to Find Santa in and around Glasgow this year to Christmas Markets and Fairs across the city, Christmas Lights Switch On’s, Pantos and Shows, Christmas Shopping, and MORE. www.familiesglasgow.co.uk We have it ALL. From times, dates, event info it’s the best GUIDE in town!

14 Nov/Dec 2014

Families Glasgow

What’s On

Wild Heather - Scottish Youth Theatre’s Festive Show 2014 In a castle far away lives a princess unlike any other... she is wild and her name is Heather. She wants to dash through the glens, climb trees and dance until the wee small hours. As the clock ticks towards her birthday, the clouds turn dark, the castle doesn’t feel like home and so Heather embarks on the biggest adventure of her life. What path will she take? Who will she meet?

Scottish Youth Theatre continues its tradition of interactive festive productions for young audiences and their families.

Wild Heather is an accessible and engaging performance specially designed to get wee ones immersed in the magic of theatre. Young people have the opportunity to interact with the characters, explore their world, sing, dance and even become characters of the story themselves.

Inspired by the Scottish folk tale Rashiecoats, this is certainly not your usual Cinderella tale. Come along and join Heather in an unforgettable interactive adventure for 3-7yrs and the whole family.

From 28 November - 30 December 2014 @ 10:30am & 1:30pm, 29-30 November, 6-7, 13-14, 20-24 & 27-29 December @ 10:30am, 1:30pm & 4pm (No shows on 1, 8, 15, 19, 25 & 26 December) Tickets: £7.50, £24 Family ticket (x4). Book 10 tickets and get 1 for free! Venue: Brian Cox Studio, Scottish Youth Theatre, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF. Book online at www.scottishyouththeatre.org or by calling Tron Theatre’s box office on 0141 552 4267.

LOOK!

Visit the Tron Theatre for the Tron Panto and Christmas Show for Little Ones TRON PANTO 2014: Miracle on 34 Parnie Street (24 Nov - 4 Jan 2015) Heart-warming Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street is given a Weegie makeover in the Tron Theatre’s brand new panto, written, directed by and featuring Scotland’s favourite panto dame Johnny McKnight!

Christmas mayhem is afoot in everyone’s favourite department store – T J Confuse – because Santa’s shown up and he’s a little bit different-- he’s a SHE! Not only that but she’s claiming to be the real Santa Claus and that she’s here to bring the true meaning of Christmas back to the pantosphere!

Will the local cooncil remove Kristine from the only job she loves? Will little Snoozy ever believe that Santa is here in the Trongate? And will we all sing-a-long to Mariah Carey yet again?

You bet we will— because this is all we want for Christmas is the Tron panto!

Tron Christmas Show For Little Ones:

The Elf By Herself (29 Nov- 31 December) The Tron also presents a Christmas show for younger families— recommend for children age 3-6— enchanting new production The Elf By Herself: Little elves with little feet make footprints in the snow, they really do love all things small, because they’ll never grow.

But one December a new recruit, joins the elfish crew, Oh my goodness what a shock, an elf who actually grew!

Detailed showtimes can be found on our website: www.tron.co.uk/event/the-elf-by-herself Families Glasgow

Nov/Dec 2014 15

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE KING’S PANTO

GREG MCHUGH GAVIN MITCHELL DES CLARKE SCOTT FLETCHER JOANNE MCGUINNESS

SAT 6 DEC - SUN 11 JAN BOX OFFICE 0844 8717648 atgtickets.com/glasgow #smeefie #teampanto #gethooked #50years

16 Nov/Dec 2014

Families Glasgow

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