Mar/Apr 2016

Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12
FREE
Issue 33
Mar/April
2016
In this Issue
• Easter holidays
• Nursery feature
• Out and about
Falkirk’s newurs!
fantastic flavo
Now serving fresh homemade soup,
Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream
flavours every day from 10am until 5pm.
Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA
Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk
www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk
[email protected]
079302 64979
Easter Activities
Monday 4 – Friday 15 April 2016
Come along and join in the fun with our full programme
of Sports and activities, crafts, swimming, movies + more!
Check our website out for further details...
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org
A fun-filled
family
day out!
Saturday 9th April
The Pirate and Princess
Treasure Hunt
1.30pm and 2.30pm
Join the Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre.
Follow the clues with the Pirate gang to find Captain
Barbarossa’s treasure then share the bounty.
Children must be accompanied by an adult over 16yrs.
Pirate and Princess Parade
3.30pm
The parade leaves the bandstand area at 3.30pm. All Pirates
and Princesses, young and old, are invited to dress up, bring
flags or banners and enjoy the fun. Prizes for all!
face-painting, story-telling , arts & crafts and
much more throughout the town centre from 11am
For more information visit www.falkirkdelivers.com
On-Street
Pirate Capers
with captain
barbarossa and
his crew
Central Scotland’s
really useful magazine
for busy families of
children age 0-12
FREE
Issue 33
Mar/April
2016
In this Issue
• Easter holidays
• Nursery feature
• Out and about
Welcome to the March/April issue of
Families Central Scotland magazine. This
issue has a fabulous nursery feature with
an article on how to choose a nursery or
playgroup for your child and information
from lots of our great local nurseries.
We have an Easter feature to give you information about what
is on locally to do with the kids and a wee article on how to
organise a fun Easter egg hunt! On page 17 you will find our
‘Tips for long car journeys’ article which is essential reading if
you are planning an - “are we there yet??” trip, and as always
we have our parent to parent interview, local news and views
and great out and about guide.
Falkirk’s new
fantastic flavours!
Now serving fresh
homemade soup,
Scottish stovies
and innovative
ice cream
flavours every
day from 10am
until 5pm.
Glen Farm Glen
Tel. 01324 630703Village Falkirk FK1 3AA
www.themilkbar
n.co.uk
www.familiescentra
lscotland.co.uk
editor@familiescent
ralscotland.co.uk
079302 64979
Fiona & Louise
the editors
contact us
To advertise with us or have your event listed in our magazine
email [email protected] Bookings are now
being taken for our May/June issue – deadline for all adverts
and editorial 1st April.
Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/FamCS twitter
@FamiliesCentral and visit our website for our What’s
On, more articles and our local directory
www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk
contents
Local news and views............................ pages 4-5
Easter holiday feature............................. pages 6-9
Nursery feature....................................pages 10-15
Parent to parent............................................page 16
Tips for long car journeys........................page 17
Out and about......................................pages 18-19
Circulation 12,000 copies delivered directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries,
leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes and schools. Please contact us if you wish to
receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts.
Design
- Lamb Designs
Printers - J Thomson Colour Printers
Front Cover Picture
- Moira Lizzy Photography - 07974 177445 www.moiralizzie.co.uk
Families Central Scotland is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise
company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently
owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered
trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta
Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of
Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and none of
the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form
without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing
this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held
responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Any original materials are
sent at the owners risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.
Give your kids
an energy boost
If your kids walk to school they will arrive more alert and ready to learn.
Take the Right
Route
Interested in wildlife? Love the
outdoors? Join the RSPB for a
wild weekend!
Join RSPB Scotland for a wild day out that the whole
family can enjoy at Scotland’s Big Nature Festival this
spring! The wildlife event is returning to Levenhall
Links in Musselburgh on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22
May. Visitors will be treated to a packed programme
of hands-on workshops, guided walks, talks and birdringing demonstrations, as well as exciting activities
like pond-dipping, mini-beast hunts and storytelling for the kids. We will be joined during the weekend by
presenters from children’s TV including Rory Crawford, who co-presents a show about children and animals
and boasts that he can identify the poo of over 20 species!
Take a stroll along the coast or through the woodland at Levenhall Links to see some local wildlife before
joining the RSPB for an action packed day in the great outdoors. With seabird cruises, tantalising food and
drink and live music on offer, Scotland’s Big Nature Festival is not to be missed! Little ones (under 5s) get
into the event for free and make sure you book early to take advantage of our half price early bird ticket
offer (T’s & C’s apply). The event is easily accessed by bus, rail and car, and tickets are on sale now
at: bignaturefestival.org.uk Ticket prices: £12 adults, £10 concessions, £2 children, under 5’s go free.
Members discount. Opening hours: 10 am until 5.30 pm daily.
Off the Page Book Festival, Stirling
Stirling libraries ‘Off the Page’ book festival will be returning
on the 6th to 16th May. There will be a variety of events and
talks from authors, aimed at both children and adults. These
events will be coming to a library near you in the Stirling and
surrounding areas, so keep the dates in your diaries. Watch
out for information in your local library or follow us on
facebook at www.facebook.com/offthepagefestival
Turtle Tots Swimming Classes
Turtle Tots is a unique and innovative swimming programme
that begins with aqua-natal yoga for mums-to-be, and continues
with specialist and progressive baby and toddler swimming
classes. Our classes are fun and sociable. Taught in warm water
pools to ensure everyone’s comfort, your little one will learn
water confidence and essential life saving skills, whilst developing
physically, emotionally and socially.You can join our aqua-yoga
classes from 14 weeks of pregnancy onwards, and our baby
classes as soon as you are ready after your baby is born. Or
come along later with your older baby or toddler. Classes available in Stirling, Dunblane and Larbert. For
more information contact Kirsty on 07855 395899, email [email protected] or visit www.turtletots.com
‘Natural’ play equipment & cable ride
Farmer’s Den Tea Room’ complete with
homebaking and hot and cold food
Tractor go-karts
Giant Jumping pillows
Farm animals
Children’s
Children parties
Tractor & trailer rides round the farm (£1 per person)
Following success in Larbert,
Stenhousemuir and Grangemouth,
Falkirk’s Take the Right Route
initiative is being rolled out in
the Graeme High School cluster
area of Falkirk. Funded by the
Scottish Government, Take the
Right Route aims to reduce traffic
congestion and car dependence
by promoting active and
sustainable travel – in Larbert and
Stenhousemuir the project saw
walking levels rise by 21% and car
driver trips fall by 19.4%.
Schools will be hosting events
such as cycle training and walk to
school events and local businesses
are being invited to sign up to a
‘Workplace Challenge’ where
employees will be supported to
take part in events and training
throughout March that encourage
more walking, cycling, car sharing
and use of public transport,
helping to reduce car usage.
To Take the Right Route
visit www.falkirk.gov.uk/
taketherightroute or to register
for the Workplace Challenge visit
http://catca.getmeactive.org.uk To
find someone to car share with
visit www.tripsharefalkirk.com
Our qualified teachers create individual
tutoring programmes for your child, using
proven Kip McGrath methods.
ulating!
Tutoring at Kip is fun and stim
To find out more, call our STIRLING CENTRE
OPEN FEBRUARY TO NOVEMBER
01786 474 818
[email protected]
www.kipmcgrath.co.uk
4
families central scotland / issue 33
Professional
Tutoring
in Maths
and English
Call TODAY
for a free
assessment
Hippodrome Festival of Silent Cinema
There are plenty of familyfriendly events at the
Hippodrome Festival of Silent
Cinema, which returns to the
Hippodrome Cinema in Bo’ness
from 16-20 March. Highlights
include a Sunday afternoon
screening (on 20 March) of the
first ever screen version of JM
Barrie’s classic children’s story
Peter Pan (from 1924), with a
live score by harpist Elizabeth
Jane-Baldry. Also on offer that
afternoon are a triple bill of
hilarious short films from the world’s best loved comedy duo, Laurel
and Hardy – From Soup to Nuts, We Faw Down and Liberty. And
on the Saturday morning you can catch an uproarious double bill – a
world premiere of the new restoration of Buster Keaton’s My Wife’s
Relations, and A Pair of Tights, a little known gem by Anita Garvin
and Marion Byron. For full programme details, visit the website at
hippfest.co.uk
Visit the Bo’ness
& Kinneil Railway
o
Kids g
free!*
Travel on our steam
railway and enjoy Scotland’s
largest railway museum.
The Scribbler’s Picnic
Open Easter - October
www.bkrailway.co.uk
Registered charity SC002375
Union Street, Bo’ness. EH51 9AQ
*one child free with each full paying adult with this ad not valid with
any other offer.Valid any day until end April 2016 ref famcent
Tickets are now on sale for Stirling’s biggest and best music festival
and charity family fun day - The Scribbler’s Picnic - being held on
Sunday 8th May – 12 noon til 8pm. The unique music event, which
is run entirely by volunteers, will feature hundreds of musicians
covering a broad array of music across the day in the grounds of
Stirling Rugby Club. It runs under the tagline ‘Musicians Helping
the Fight Against Cancer’ and is run in association with Stirling
and Bridge of Allan Round Table. To purchase tickets visit www.
scribblerspicnic.co.uk For your chance to win tickets to the
event over the forthcoming months please visit Facebook/
scribblerspicnic or find us on Twitter.
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts
Bunny’s been up to his old tricks again! He’s left
clues at lots of National Trust for Scotland places
across the country. Join us from Good Friday
to Easter Monday for lots of family fun.
Let your kids follow the clues, solve the
puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.
Each Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt is different – the
perfect excuse to try your hand at more than one!
The Battle
of Bannockburn
Alloa
Tower
Culross
Palace
You’ll find everything you need to know at
www.nts.org.uk
Tel: 08453133252 | [email protected]
The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410
5
easter holidays
There are lots of great things happening locally this
Easter, read on so you don’t miss out on all the fun!!
When the kids are ready to let
off steam – make tracks for
Loch Katrine!
There’s always
something
memorable
about family days
out in the great
outdoors- and
when it comes to
finding spaces for
adventure – they
don’t come on
a much grander scale than The Great
Trossachs Forest! At its heart is one of
the most popular destinations when it
comes to finding a place to let children go
exploring – Loch Katrine.
Loch Katrine is the starting point for
so many different experiences – from
walking by the loch shore, through to
family cycling expeditions, and of course
the opportunity to enjoy a sail on the
legendary steamship Sir Walter Scott (or
the modern cruiser Lady of the Lake).
This really is the best way to enjoy the
stunning scenery which was shaped by
glaciers thousands of years ago, and to
discover the story of how the loch itself
has supplied Glasgow’s tap water since
the middle of the 19th century. Look
out for ospreys and otters, and see if
you can spot the wild goats on the shore
during your cruise! Sailings depart from
Trossachs Pier, which is easy to reach from
all across Central Scotland, and where
visitor facilities include The Brenachoile
Café Bar and Restaurant. Details of
all sailing times are available at www.
lochkatrine.com
Family Cycling Stirling – Easter
Bonanza!
Recyke-a-bike has teamed up with CTC
Scotland and Stirling Cycle Hub to bring
you a fantastic family cycling event this
Easter, which means lots of bike and
cycling related fun for all the family!
Fun stuff - Hunt for Easter eggs, bring
your bike, try some bike arts and crafts,
6
brave the pump track and test your skills.
Safety stuff - Try out family cycling options
- baby seats, trailers, tag-alongs and more.
Get your own bikes safety checked by
Doctor Bike. Ask advice from qualified
cycle instructors, as well as meeting super
cycling families and hear how they make
cycling part of their family life.It’s all
completely free of charge, at the super
safe off-road, car-free venue of Wallace
High School. Saturday 26th March, 10am
to 2pm at Wallace High School, Airthrey
Road, Stirling, FK9 5HW. Come along
and join the fun!
Easter at Macrobert Arts Centre
At Macrobert
Arts Centre
there are events
and activities for
all ages to make
sure you and
your family have
an ‘eggcellent’
time this Easter.
With free entry
and open daily,
the Tesco Bank
School Art
Exhibition (Tue 1 Mar – Wed 25 May) is
the chance to enjoy a selection of work
created by the artists of tomorrow. Or
come and join Shadow in Swoosh (Fri
1 Apr, 11am & 2pm), in this brand new
underwater adventure for 0-5 years.
For more chances to get involved there
are a range of family workshops for
pre-school children and their grown-ups.
From loud music, lively dance, or story
adventures, there’s lots of fun to be had
from Monday 4 – Thursday 7 April. For
older children the Film & Drama Easter
School will keep them pre-occupied for
the full week, giving them the chance
to get in front of the camera or work
behind the scenes (Monday 11 – Friday
15 April). For further information visit
macrobertartscentre.org or call the Box
Office on 01786 466666.
The Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway &
Museum of Scottish Railways –
fun for the kids
Make the most of your visit to central
Scotland’s family friendly steam railway
and museum when their 2016 season
starts on 19 March. Come travel on
our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s
largest railway museum. You can show
your old fashioned ticket to the Guard, he
may even let you help him clip it on the
journey! Watch the engine being coupled
families central scotland / issue 33
up to the carriages … is it really magnets
that hold them together? Be Harry Potter
in a compartment carriage with its own
sliding door. Then enjoy some spotting fun
on the Visitor Trail to the Museum and
have fun sorting letters in the Travelling
Post Office in the Museum. Come along
and have a great day out! Bo’ness and
Kinneil Railway, Union Street, Bo’ness
EH51 9AQ www.bkrailway.co.uk
The Milk Barn
Come and enjoy a delicious homemade
ice cream at the The Milk Barn, we have
18 different flavours on display. We also
have soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy
free sorbets and frozen yoghurt. All our
Ice Cream is gluten free and egg free
(unless cake or biscuit is in the added
flavouring).
The Milk Barn is situated on a working
dairy farm, and is very child friendly with
indoor and outdoor play areas. Enjoy a
fun, delicious day out for all the family and
have a try at milking the fibre glass milking
cow Glenda. We also serve sandwiches,
baked potatoes, home baking etc. Open
10am to 5pm every day! Glen Farm, Glen
Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA Contact 01324
630703 or visit www.themilkbarn.co.uk
Falkirk’s annual Pirates &
Princesses Parade
The much loved Pirates and Princesses
parade is back in town on Saturday 9th
April. On-street Pirate capers, facepainting, story-telling, arts & crafts, how to
be a pirate and princess etiquette lessons
and much more from 12noon, featuring
a town centre market from 11 – 4pm.
Captain Barbarossa
and the crew will
be meeting hopeful
crew members on
the High Street
from 1.30pm. The
parade leaves the
bandstand area at
3.30pm. All Pirates
and Princesses,
young and old, are
invited to dress up, bring flags or banners and enjoy the fun. Prizes
for all!
Also ……Join the Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre
commencing at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Follow the clues with the
Pirate gang to find Captain Barbarossa’s treasure then share the
bounty before he realises it’s gone. Children must be accompanied
by an adult over 16yrs. For more information visit www.
falkirkdelivers.com
Fun for all the family at the
Wallace Monument
Visit The National Wallace
Monument between 25th - 28th
March for your chance to meet
soldiers from the Battle of Stirling
Bridge face to face in ‘Tales from the
Battlefield!’
Set after The Battle of Stirling, a
wounded soldier meets another
fighter before discovering he is on
the enemy’s side! Do they resume
the fight – or do they realise that
the battle is over? The Monument’s
2016 programme of events brings
history to life with regular actor
performances from March through
to October.
In 2016 The National Wallace Monument will mark the Year of
Innovation, Architecture and Design with ‘A Victorian Masterpiece’
(24th – 26th June) - a special weekend with a Victorian theme
celebrating the anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone
in 1861. You can keep up to date with the 2016 programme of
events by visiting www.nationalwallacemonument.com
The Howgate, Falkirk
There is always
something on for
families at The
Howgate Centre in
Falkirk. Our monthly
Kids Club offers free
children’s activities on
the first Saturday of the
month with additional
events during school
holidays. We have
an exciting programme planned this year offering a mixture of
character appearances, sing-a-long shows, crafts and sport activities.
Visitors to the centre will notice a few changes this year with some
exciting new retailers due to open in the coming months. We
already have fantastic independents in INDY on level 3 including,
Comics, Trading Cards & Collectables and Create-A-Bear who hold
birthday parties and workshops on site. There will be Easter holiday
fun at The Howgate on Friday 25th and Saturday 26th March –
giant rabbits, Easter chick hunt, Easter crafts and storytelling! Keep
up to date with what’s on by liking our Facebook page at www.
facebook.com/intohowgate where you will also have the chance
to enter our regular competitions and hear the latest centre
news and offers.
easter holidays
Exciting
Interactive
& Fun
The most original musical baby & toddler classes on the planet
Classes held in Falkirk and Stirling
Please contact Lynsey
T: 07914023928 E: [email protected]
Facebook: hartbeepsfalkirk
Twitter: HartBeepsFalk
www.hartbeeps.com
New classes in
Dunblane and
Stirling
Come out of your
shell and learn to
swim the Turtle
Tots way
E-mail: [email protected]
or call 07855 395899
www.turtletots.com
WE
’V
Ple E M
as
O
new e not VED
loc e our
!
atio
n.
Thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge
Fund our Cycling Links project is making it easier
for families to cycle safely together for transport,
health and most importantly fun. Free services include:
Cycle training for all ages
Family friendly led rides
Family fun days and cycle events
Bike doctor safety checks
Bike maintenance classes
www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk
Alloa Road, Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5LN
t: 01786 447 559
e: [email protected]
Scottish Charity No: SC036713 Scottish Company No: SC287632
7
7
easter holidays
Briarlands Farm
Lots of exciting things planned for 2016,
from 25th - 28th March, ‘Pop up Fun’ with
a daredevil High Rope Trail, included
in the admission price and we will have
more activities ‘popping up’ for summer ..
Zorbing Track, Climbing Wall and Spider
Mountain – check website Events page
for specific dates. We offer group visits
for any group of people that would love
a fun day out! Briarlands Farm also love
to host birthday parties and can offer a
fantastic indoor space for any celebration.
To make sure you don’t miss out on all
the fun, why not buy a season pass! For
more information and to see our range
of events please visit our new website
www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk or become a
fan on Facebook to keep up to date!
Cadbury Easter Egg Hunts with
National Trust for Scotland
Easter Fun in Alloa
Looking for great family activities in Alloa
this Easter? Head to the Speirs Centre
Library in Alloa. Alloa Town centre BID
will have The Amazing Bob Bonkers on
Thursday 7th April. Also on Thursday
14th April, come along and meet the
bearded dragon and the pygmy hedgehog
along with other animals from Zoo
Lab. Zoo Lab will be providing show/
tell & handling sessions. There will also
be face painting from Amy’s Funky Faces.
Each week there will be 2 shows, 11am12 & 12.30-1.30pm. These are ticketed
events, and numbers are limited. Adults &
Children £2 each.For tickets please visit
atcbid.com/facebook or call in to the
Speirs Centre Library, Primrose St, Alloa.
FK10 1JJ
Falkirk Community Trust does
Easter!
For the ninth consecutive year, the
National Trust for Scotland has teamed up
with Cadbury to host dozens of Cadbury
Easter Egg Hunts across the country from
Friday 25th to Monday 28th March.
The Easter Bunny has left clues to follow,
and children can collect them, solve the
puzzle and claim a chocolatey reward.
Highlights include hunts at The Battle of
Bannockburn experience, Alloa Tower
and Culross Palace. Carly Lamberty,
Marketing Manager said: “We’re getting
cracking on our visitor season extra early
this year, with lots of Easter fun thanks to
our partnership with Cadbury. And every
egg hunt helps us to look after the special
places in our care.” Each of the hunts is
completely different – the perfect excuse
to try your hand at more than one! For
details see www.nts.org.uk
8
This Easter, Falkirk Community Trust has
a massive range of activities for the kids
to get involved in. You can join your local
library for some adventurous story times
and craft sessions, catch a film at the
Hippodrome, sample some tasty treats in
the Georgian kitchen at Callendar House
or sign up for some sporting fun with
athletics, football, street dance, tennis and
more! Visit our website for information
on activities www.falkirkcommunitytrust.
org and join in the chat online on
Facebook @Falkirk Community Trust
and Twitter @FCTrust
families central scotland / issue 33
Grangemouth Stadium’s Easter
Startrack
Encourage your budding athletes this
Easter with Grangemouth Stadium’s
Easter Startrack. Train like a pro and run
on the actual Hampden track which
has been graced by such athletes as
Usain Bolt and Eilidh Child! The 5 - 8
years group is introduced to all athletics
disciplines through fun skill sessions
and games. They are taught the basic
fundamentals of running, jumping and
throwing which are techniques vital in
most other sports. The 9 - 14 years group
experience more advanced skills and
technique sessions, with the introduction
of visiting VIP athletes and coaches to give
them a better understanding of what it
takes to be a high level athlete. But most
of all it’s an opportunity to meet new
friends and have fun! Find out more at
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/sport
or ring Grangemouth Stadium on 01324
504590
The cinema
A visit to the cinema over Easter means
fun for everyone. You can see great
films for great prices at your local
independent cinema. Families Central
love Macrobert, Stirling www.macrobert.
co.uk and the Hippodrome, Bo’ness
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org/venues/
hippodrome
First, the shopping list
• Buy a few eggs per child. Look for packs
that are cheaper than individual eggs.
• Find holders for the children to collect
the eggs in such as paper bags, baskets
plastic bowls or flower pots.
• Perhaps buy some small gifts as well as
eggs - books or colouring pens.
• Make a list of where you have hidden all
the eggs.
Keep up this fun tradition with your
children this Easter
Easter means different things to different
people. But for the kids it is quite simple; it
means time off school and plenty of Easter
eggs! So why not organise an Easter Egg
Hunt with your children and their friends?
Don’t forget! Easter Sunday is March 27.
What is an Easter Egg Hunt?
The day before Easter Sunday, the grown-ups
hide eggs and other treats around the house.
Then the kids have to find them on Easter
morning. For many parents, the planning is
almost as much fun as watching the kids
finding the eggs and you can make it as
simple or as complex as you like.
Some nice ideas to do the day
before, especially if it’s raining
Get the children to decorate the holders
they will collect the eggs in. Decorate paper
bags, line baskets with straw and tie on a
ribbon and add a label with the child’s name
on it to the pots.
Where can you do an Easter Egg
hunt?
At home, inside the house - Great if the
weather’s bad. Lock rooms that you don’t
want the children in.
In the garden - If the weather’s fine, this is
ideal. Put the eggs out in the morning. Why
not make bunny footprints from flour or talc
near each hidden egg?
In the woods - If you live near some open
space, gather the kids in one area until the
adults have planted the eggs and clues. Then
let them loose!
easter holidays
Some ground rules
So that the children all feel they have been
treated fairly and for safety, it’s important to
have some rules.
• When they have collected three eggs,
they must come back to ‘base’ before
going off again.
• Give the kids clear boundaries that
they must not stray outside. If you’re
outdoors, place small kids with grownups or older children for safety.
• Help kids get a fair share by collecting
a different colour of eggs each –wrap
them in coloured paper. Make those for
the small kids easier to spot.
• Get older children to help younger ones.
• Don’t allow the kids to eat the eggs
as they find them – they have to bring
them all back to base.
• Once the game is over, allow them to
eat one or two and then the rest should
be taken home.
Local Easter hunts
• For a Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt with
National Trust for Scotland near you
visit www.nts.org.uk Highlights include
hunts at The Battle of Bannockburn
experience, Alloa Tower and Culross
Palace.
• The Easter bunny will be at Callendar
House, Falkirk 26th-28th March for an
Easter hunt in the walled garden.
EASTER
Adventure & Fun for Everyone!
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Sat 2 nd
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t 26tth
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Vis
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and learn
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s
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b
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these gia
EEaster crafts and
stor
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the Mad Hatter!
Visit ou
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r
showcasecal crafters Easte
made gif their hand Chick
ts!
Hunt!
The Howgate Centre, Falkirk FK1 1HG
April
Uncle Billy
From puppet
shows to magic,
ventriloquism
to circus skills,
come and join
the fun.
Sat 7th
M ay
The
Th
h McDougalls
McDougalls
Silly Singalong
Musical fun with The
McDougalls. Shows at
12pm, 1pm & 2pm in
the Community Hub.
Sat 9 th
April
Pirate
Pira
Pi
iratte & Princess
Princes
Parade
Visit our Swashbuckle
event from 12-3pm and
enjoy fun and games
before the parade
at 3pm.
Sat 4th
June
Crea
Create-a-Bear
C
reatte-a-Bear
workshops in INDY
12-3pm: Decorate your
own mini bear and get
your photograph taken
with his or her special
adoption certificate.
We will have lots more activities on
during the Easter holidays, visit our
website or our FB page for more details.
www.intohowgate.co.uk
Nursery feature
M
aking playdough at home is great fun with the kids
and all you need are some simple ingredients you can
pick up from any supermarket. We have included two
recipes here, one that requires cooking and one that does
not, so you can choose what works best for you. Please keep
it away from pets ( as playdough is heavily laden with salt)
and whilst it is non toxic, we wouldn’t recommend that your
child puts any in their mouth so as always with young kids
supervision is key!
Playdough that requires cooking
•
•
•
•
•
1 cup plain flour
½ cup salt
2 tablespoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 cup water with food colouring added
Put all the ingredients into a large saucepan, and stir over a
medium heat until the dough forms into a ball. Allow to cool, and
then knead until smooth. Store in an airtight container.
Playdough that requires no cooking
•
•
•
•
•
1 cup water
4 cups flour
2 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of salt
food colouring
Pour water into a large mixing bowl. Next add food colouring.
Once you add the food colouring to the water, stir well. Add the
dry ingredients (flour and salt) to the mix. Stir to begin blending
the ingredients. Next add 2 to 4 tablespoons of oil. You can
add more oil later if the mix seems too dry. Oil is the secret to
keeping this ‘no cooking required’ recipe soft! If you don’t add
enough oil, the mix will be very crumbly. Begin mixing everything
together. Knead the ingredients together until a soft dough is
formed. Store in an airtight
container.
Top Tip – why not try
adding a small amount of glitter
to the mix just before kneading
the dough to create a sparkly
effect. Messy – yes but so much
fun!
Learn Happy.
Award winning nursery
beaconhurstnursery.com
Contact Laura John Nursery Manager on 01786 832146
for more information, www.beaconhurstnursery.com
10
families central scotland / issue 33
Nursery feature
Imagine a day care where the
landscape changes daily?
We offer childcare and education for children aged 0-5yrs, an out of school club for
children aged 5-12yrs and a holiday club during school holidays.
Keep imagining until Manor Farm Nursery
“A Nature Kindergarten”
opens in Winter 2016
Based in a beautiful old farmhouse with
purpose built modern extension
Also incorporating The Woodlanders After School Club
A child-centred approach to experiencial learning in a warm, caring and
stimulating environment.
Please contact Carolyn Riddle at
4 McNabb Street
Dollar
01259 742571
Email : [email protected]
Website : www.dollarnursery.co.uk
Opening times:
7.30am-6pm Mon - Fri
To request a brochure please contact the office on 01259 742571
climb
trees
jump in
puddles
mar s toast
hmall
ows
mud
ve
grow
kitch
en
ADVENTURE ~ SPIRIT ~ AWE ~ WONDER
“There is no such thing as bad weather, just
inappropriate clothing”
~ Sir Ranolph Fiennes
“If we really want children to thrive we need to
let their connection to nature nurture them”
~ Claire Warden
Manor Loan, Stirling FK9 5QD
Email [email protected]
lik
fa e o
fo cebo ur
ro
ff ok
er
s
What our parents say...
“All I can say about this nursery is that every single
staff member is amazing, my daughter who is 3 in
September has come on leaps and bounds, learning
so much, building sentences, having more confidence
in things. So proud of how far she has come and how
the staff have helped her, I'm so glad and grateful that
I chose this nursery for my daughter,
daughte wouldn't chose
any other one! ” Louise (Hallglen)
Outdoor play:
“Nathan didn't stop talking about it last night
he was so funny, he had such a great day and
you were right, he slept really well, all the fresh
air and mud wiped him out.” Nicola (Falkirk)
Acrewood has been established as a leading Private Day Nursery and
After School Club for over 25 years and is registered with the Care
Inspectorate. Acrewood cares for Children from birth to 5 years.
Acrewood offers free government funded places to children
aged 3-5yrs. This entitles you to a free 600 hours of flexible childcare for
eligible 3-5 year olds with the option of wrap around care if required.
Visit us online www.acrewoodnursery.com
Online Journals:
“ I have loved looking at all of the pictures and
observations of my son This is a great way for me
to stay in touch too.” Paula (Grangemouth)
Falkirk Football Stadium, FK2 9EE
www.littlestarsnurseries.net
Tel No: 01324 636377
Fantastic Location • Open Plan Layout
Easy Drop Off • Parking • Close to motorway
Within walking distance of the Helix
bles
geta
y childcare
offers qualit
outh Club
s.
Y
ay
s
y’
lid
d
ho
o
o
ol
W
scho
and during
after school
ng,
ildren morni
for your ch
Bearheart Castle is a large soft play centre based on a castle theme,
with ball pools, flumes, aerial slides and lots more. Available for
childrens’ parties and school outings. Open every Saturday and Sunday
and all Stirling school holidays.
Like our Facebook for future offers
Acrewood Nursery, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK7 7PX, Scotland
Tel: 01786 462621, Fax: 01786 446541. www.acrewoodnursery.com
11
Nursery feature
Choosing a nursery
What you need to know when choosing a nursery or playgroup
M
any mums return to work after
their maternity leave finishes
and choose to leave their baby
in a nursery. Even if you are a stay-athome mum or dad, it’s likely that when
your child is between the ages of two
and three years old you will want her to
start at a playgroup or nursery school –
for both her benefit and yours. But how
do you choose the right nursery for
your baby?
You can usually get a list of local nurseries
and playgroups from your local council,
from your health visitor, local library, GP
surgery or on the internet.
Speak with other mums about the
nursery or playgroup you are most
interested in, and go along and spend a
morning at each group, together with
your child. Gut instinct can be invaluable in
these situations.
10 things to consider when
choosing a nursery:
1. Are you and your child made to
feel welcome and introduced to the
nursery staff, helpers and perhaps to
other children? Are you allowed to
stay and watch at a time to suit you –
not them?
2. Check out the space itself. The room
may be a bleak church hall but have
the staff made it look lively and
interesting?
3. Does the nursery seem too
crowded? Numbers are controlled
by local authority regulations,
and insurance policies, but some
playgroups squeeze in extra children
Linlithgow
Nursery
Early opening at 7.30
Escort to/from Linlithgow school nurseries
Newly re-furbished Baby Room
Qualified and highly trained staff
Ample on-street Parking
Linlithgow Bridge 01506 239 295
(Bo’ness
01506 828 007)
www.thekidzstop.co.uk
12
families central scotland / issue 33
4. Is there somewhere for outdoors
play on fine days? Are there books in
a quiet corner where children can go
and sit? Is there an interactive area,
such as a nature table?
5. Check out the toys, equipment and
art materials on offer. Are the same
toys put out in the same area every
day? (this is why it’s a good idea to
visit more than once on random,
different days)
6. Are there varied activities on offer
(painting, sandpits, water play areas,
Wendy house, play dough, building
bricks, puzzles, a dressing up box).
Are these accessible all the time?
7. Do the children look excited and
interested in the toys available?
8. Does the climbing equipment look
well-maintained and is there a soft
landing area?
9. What about the staff? Are they listening and talking
to the children? Are they calmly in control? Do they
seem to be caring with the children? Do they notice
aggressive or painfully shy children and get them to join
in constructively? Do they spend more time chatting with
each other than with the children?
10. Talk to the staff to find out their views on discipline,
dealing with anxious children and free and structured play
to see if their ideas are the same as yours.
The ideal atmosphere at a nursery group should be busy and
buzzing, but never out of control. Noisy children racing around
or charging up and down on bikes and cars shows a clear lack
of organisation.
Another point to consider is whether boys and girls at the
nursery are treated equally. Do boys get encouraged to
do quite, creative activities or do they run about in gangs
and spend a lot of time on sit-on cars and toys? Are girls
encouraged to do physical play and large toy activities? Do
boys and girls play together? Both boys and girls need physical,
energetic play, construction play and quiet creative periods with
adult attention.
Nursery feature
Dunblane Community
Preschool
•
•
•
•
•
High Quality Preschool Education
Happy & Nurturing Environment
Funded Places Available
Qualified, Experienced & Caring Staff
Preschool, Rising 3s, Toddler Groups,
Baby Group
Braeport Centre, Dunblane FK15 0AT
T: 07920 249631
[email protected]
www.dunblanecommunitypreschool.com
Try to visit a group while a singing or story time session is
going on. Singing sessions should always be varied and fun with
lots of action rhymes and percussion and have all the children
enthusiastically joining in. Story time should also be something
the children particularly enjoy. The story teller should be able
to hold the children’s attention. Story time should not be used
as an opportunity for helpers to take the children to the toilet
or tidy up.
If you like a particular nursery or playgroup, but feel they fall
down in one or two areas, then speak with the supervisor. They
may welcome your suggestions and be able to make changes
to suit you and your child. If they don’t, then move on and find
one that’s more in line with your requirements.
Emma’s Diary is the UK’s most trusted and influential
pregnancy and baby channel. Working in partnership with
The Royal College of General Practitioners
(RCGP) for more than 23 years, they provide
parents-to-be and new parents with the very
best medical and practical information. Visit
www.emmasdiary.co.uk
Arnhall Nursery is a private day
nursery that provides high quality
childcare from birth up to 5 years
• Graded Excellent in 7 areas by SCSWIS
2014
• Set in beautiful surroundings near
Dunblane with ample parking
• Open all year round from 7.30am to
6.30pm
• All meals included - home cooked by our
in-house chef
• Fully qualifed & trained staff
For further details or to arrange a visit
please contact the Nursery direct
on 01786 822 391
Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU
www.arnhallnursery.co.uk
13
Nursery feature
Choosing a nursery or playgroup
Acrewood Nursery, Stirling
Acrewood
Nursery
Complex
is one of
the largest
in Scotland
currently
registered for
176 children.
Formed in 1991, Acrewood has been
caring for children for over 25 years and
provides a Day Care Service from Birth –
5years, Breakfast Club, After School Club
from 5 years-12years, and Softplay Facility
and Café all under the one roof . We
ensure that the children in our care receive
the best early learning and childcare
we can provide, we value diversity and
promote inclusion in an environment
where everyone is welcome. At Acrewood
we have a large garden and outdoor space,
we view the garden as an extension of
the nursery, which is why you may find us
outside regardless of the weather! We are
in partnership with Stirling Council and
can offer your child 600 hours of free early
learning and child care. This can be taken
alone or as part of a wraparound care
package. Applications for these places are
now open. www.acrewoodnursery.com
Arnhall Day Nursery, Dunblane
We have been
established in the
beautiful rural
surroundings of the Keir
Estate, Dunblane for over
25 years and operate in
partnership with Stirling
Council. Awarded
with our ECO Green
Flag, we are also recognised by Investors
in People, Children, and Young People.
Graded ‘excellent’ in 7 areas by the Care
Inspectorate, we follow Curriculum for
Excellence and Pre-Birth to Three planning.
Children from birth to 5 years receive high
quality childcare by qualified staff; working
closely with parents to ensure an excellent
service is provided at all times. Following
the NHS ‘Setting the Table’ guidelines
and achieving a SOIL award, nutritional
meals are provided by our in-house chef
enabling your child to experience a variety
of homemade foods. Open all year round
between 7.30am and 6.30pm, children
have access to our fabulous gardens/
outdoor classroom, enjoy woodland walks
and weekly Forest Schools. Further details
can be found at www.arnhallnursery.co.uk
14
Beaconhurst Nursery, Bridge of
Allan
Beaconhurst
School’s
nursery
has been
awarded a
top report
from
the Care Inspectorate.The Nursery,
based in Bridge of Allan, was awarded
Excellents in all four categories following
an unannounced inspection.The report
followed a validation inspection from the
Care Inspectorate and means the Nursery
maintains the outstanding results awarded
at the last inspection in 2012. Nursery
Manager Laura John is delighted with the
report which describes staff as ‘highly
motivated, enthusiastic and committed to
meeting the needs of the children they
care for.’ She said: “We are ecstatic to
receive such a positive report from the
Care Inspectorate and the comments
really capture the essence of our nursery.”
The Report gives Beaconhurst the top
Grade 6 in all categories and the Summary
notes: ‘We found Beaconhurst continued
to provide a high quality service to
families. The staff team were committed
to ensuring children were at the heart
of everything that happened within the
nursery.’ For more information about the
Nursery, for children aged 3-5, visit www.
beaconhurst.com
Dollar Nursery, Dollar
Dollar
Nursery
School is
situated in
the beautiful
town of
Dollar. The nursery is housed in a unique,
homely property in the centre of the
village. At Dollar Nursery School we
believe that every child is unique, complex
and individual. She/he is capable of helping
to create opportunities for learning,
development and play in partnership
with adults and other children. Through
caring, sharing and a sense of adventure
we will bring out every child’s potential,
confidence, strength and skills in an
atmosphere of fun, warmth and safety.
We will be imaginative in creating a wide
range of opportunities for cultural, social,
emotional and intellectual development.
We have a large enclosed garden which
is used regularly as an extension of our
learning environment. Your child will have
families central scotland / issue 33
a book to capture all of their special
moments during their time with us, as well
as daily communication with staff. Visit our
website at www.dollarnursery.co.uk or
phone 01259 742571.
The Kidz Stop, Bo’ness and
Linlithgow
Welcome to
The Kidz Stop
where we have
been caring for
children for over
12 years. We are
a family business
that prides itself on maintaining the highest
standards of care and education. We strive
to offer a homely environment with small
rooms and a personalised service. Our
staff are carefully chosen for their caring
personalities and passion for working
with children. Our services include early
opening from 7.30 to help parents beat
the rush hour traffic and an escort service
to and from the local school nurseries for
3-5 year olds. In 2010, 2011 and 2015 The
Kidz Stop was voted runners up Nursery
of the Year in Scotland by NDNA. If you
would like to come and visit us call
Pauleen at Linlithgow on 01506 239 295
or Caroline at Bo’ness on 01506 828007.
www.thekidzstop.co.uk
Little Stars, Falkirk, Alloa and
Stirling
Parents often
miss their little
ones when they
are in nursery
and always
wonder what they are getting up to. But
mums and dads of children at Falkirk’s
Little Stars Nursery are now receiving
live daily updates direct to their home
or office. This is thanks to a substantial
investment in the latest technology which
enables staff to take pictures on one of
ten iPads and send news and comments
“as it happens” to a child’s individual
and password-locked learning journal.
Owner Kevin GIlmartin said “With this
technology, we can take pictures, capture a
moment or record an activity and put that
information in the child’s online profile
which the parents can look at wherever
they are. It’s a fantastic way for the parents
to see what their children are doing,
track their progress, and stay in touch
throughout the day.” The addition of iPads
has also been rolled out to Little Stars
nurseries in Alloa and Stirling. Parents love
our open-plan nursery. It’s bright, modern,
and homely. Deciding which nursery to put
your child in is a big decision, but parents
who come to see our facilities and read
our inspection reports are delighted. Visit
www.littlestarsnurseries.net
Manor Farm, Manor Loan
Manor Farm
Nature
Kindergarten
is an exciting
new day care
service due
to open its
doors to the
children of
Stirling and Clackmannanshire in 2016. The
nursery and after school club will see the
concept of nature kindergarten and forest
school being introduced to the area where
a high proportion of the children’s’ day is
spent outdoors, learning from the natural
world around them. Very much a child
led ethos where our highly experienced
practitioners tune in to what children want
to learn and can transfer this to the indoor
environment without losing the awe that
children find in nature play. Children need
new experiences, new landscapes and
new challenges within the comfort of
people who will protect but encourage.
We encourage them to take risks, explore
and talk about what’s around them. Based
in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with
a purpose built extension, the outdoors
and indoors areas have been designed to
compliment each other. Please contact
[email protected] to register
your interest and to be kept up to date
with developments.
Willowsgreen Nursery,
Linlithgow
Willowsgreen
Nursery is a
NEW, smallscale and
high-quality
children’s nursery in Linlithgow, where
children aged between 2 and 5 will
flourish. Our staff are highly-skilled and
we maintain a high staff to child ratio
allowing us to place greater focus on
each child’s individual needs. We take a
holistic approach to each child’s learning
and development, providing unstructured
play and structured activities based
on the child’s own interests. Located
beside Linlithgow Cricket Ground, our
purpose-built nursery will be opening
in early Spring 2016.We are extremely
privileged to have full use of the green
and tranquil Cricket grounds, in addition
to our own private garden space. Our
natural outdoor area encourages active
explorers, budding gardeners and creative
dreamers and we play outside in all
kinds of weather! With only 25 places
available we are now accepting enrolment
enquiries for Spring 2016 at www.
willowsgreennursery.co.uk or by email at
[email protected] or by
telephone 01506 840700. Follow us on
Facebook!
playgroups
Dunblane Community
Preschool
Based in
the heart of
Dunblane,
we offer
high quality
preschool
education
for children aged from 2 ½ to 5 years
old. Our preschool operates Monday
to Friday from 9:15am - 12:30pm
during term time and is led by our 3
fantastic Early Childhood Educators.
Our focus is on learning through play,
using the Curriculum for Excellence
as a framework for us to help children
develop language, numeracy, coordination and creativity. We pride
ourselves on providing a happy and
nurturing environment for children
in their preschool years, readying
them for their transition to school.
We work in partnership with Stirling
Council with funded places available
from the term after your child’s 3rd
birthday. We were delighted that our
recent inspection report rated our
preschool as ‘very good’ across all
areas. For further information or to
arrange a visit please call on 07920
249631 or visit our website at www.
dunblanecommunitypreschool.com
Nursery feature
Zetland Nursery, Grangemouth
At Zetland
Nursery in
Grangemouth
we are
committed
to providing
a high level of professional childcare,
where we meet the needs of every child
and their family. We provide quality care
and education for children birth to 5
years in a relaxed, caring environment
by experienced nursery staff. Zetland
Nursery is conveniently situated in
Grangemouth Town centre, with access
to local transport and amenities including,
Grangemouth library and Zetland Park.
We also have our own secure, enclosed
nursery garden. We are open Monday to
Friday 7.30am – 6pm, 51 weeks of the year.
Our package includes healthy breakfast,
lunch and snack, all freshly prepared on the
premises, nappies and wipes provided for
under 3 year olds and flexible childcare.
Discounts up to £360 per year for all new
registrations. To arrange a viewing please
contact the Manager on 01324 486031 or
[email protected] Zetland Nursery,
Bo’ness Road, Grangemouth, FK3 8AF.
www.zetlandnursery.com
Lochgreen Playgroup, Falkirk Funded Places still available for
3 year olds
Lochgreen is a
safe and happy
environment
to socialise,
play and learn
in. We offer a
wide variety of
stimulating experiences and activities,
including the large outdoor learning
space where children climb, explore
and grow in confidence. Lochgreen is
run by a fully qualified, experienced and
friendly team in partnership with Falkirk
Council. We follow the Curriculum
for Excellence and complete Learning
Journeys for every child to celebrate
their achievements. Small numbers and
high staff to child ratio make us the
ideal place for your child to progress
to school nursery. Our Pre-school
nursery for 3 to 5 years is on Monday,
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday 9.00am
- 12.10pm and Tuesday 12.15pm 3.25pm.Our 2’s Club ( to which parents
accompany children ) is on Tuesday
9.00am - 11.00am and Thursday
12.30pm - 2.30pm. Toddlers is on
Monday 1.00pm - 2.30pm. Lochgreen
Playgroup 24a Slamannan Road,
Falkirk. FK1 5LE. 01324 629676 www.
lochgreenplaygroup.org.uk or find us
on Facebook.
15
parent to parent
Hi, my name is Zoë Young and I run Boogie
Beat music & movement in Stirling and
Edinburgh. I’m a Stirling girl at heart and
now live in Barnton with my husband Colin
and our 2 year old son Angus. Boogie Beat
classes are great fun for little ones from
6 months to 5 years. I base them on
traditional nursery rhymes and classical
fairy tales combined with a lively and active
dance twist! For more info check out www.
boogiebeat.co.uk
Why you like living where you do?
Stirling is a fantastic place for families, it has
a little bit of everything from history with
the amazing Stirling Castle to a fantastic
Safari Park at Blair Drummond right on your
doorstep.
Favourite shop
I absolutely love Stons! The clothes are
beautiful and great for a night out. However
since having a little one you do discover new
places: Good Green Fun is one of Stirling’s
little gems! It is the most amazing shop if
you have a family. It is a registered charity
which specialises in reusing and recycling
children’s toys, clothes, books and more.
Favourite park
The Kings Park! It’s great for a play on the
swings and in the sandpit and only a short
walk from the town centre too.
Favourite children’s club/class
Well, it has to be Boogie Beat music &
movement! The themes are wonderfully
classical and traditional and the children just
love them. My little boy has been coming to
Boogie Beat since he was 18 mths old and
has loved it from the very beginning.
Favourite day out
It has to be Briarlands Farm. I absolutely
love this place! Not only is it an amazing
venue to run Boogie Beat, it is the loveliest
place to take your children to. There is a
funyard, tractor rides, animals to feed and
pet, indoor play and good coffee and cakes
too.
Favourite
child friendly
restaurant
One of my
favourite
restaurants is
Bologna in Bridge of Allan. The menu
is delicious and it has a lovely family feel
to it too. The staff are welcoming and
nothing is ever a problem even during
a busy service. It is family friendly but
still feels like a ‘grown up’ place at the
same time.
No parent should be without
A gro clock. I found this really helpful with
sleep training especially when your little one
moves from a cot to a bed. You can set the
clock for the sun to rise and also for the sun
to set and the stars to come out. It really
helps little ones to know the difference
between night and day and hopefully keep
your little cherub in bed for when you need
them to be!
Parenting pet hates
People being too outwardly judgmental
over parenting styles. Everyone is different
and has different ways of bringing up their
own children – and it can be easy to always
think that one way is best. I think people
normally find the route to get the balance
right themselves, and it can be hard when
people question you.
Best children DVD or tele programme
Toy Story! I loved it when I was younger
and Angus also really enjoys it. It’s a good
film to watch as a family as there is plenty of
adult humour in the movie too.
Most played with toys
Angus got a keyboard as a Christmas
present from his Granny and he has
played with it every day since. There is a
microphone attached to it and he sings the
Boogie Beat songs into it which is very cute!
Biggest waste of money
You always buy far too much when you
are expecting your first baby as you have
no idea what to expect or what you really
need. I would recommend using Boots
nursery advice service. As a first time mum, I
found this so helpful.
Any other comment
If you are considering which nursery to send
your little one to, I highly recommend Old
Doune Road and Lecropt Nurseries! I have
loved working with Lorna and her team. Be
sure to check out Bridge of Allan sports club
either as a venue hire for your little ones
party or for the excellent sports facilities. I
have recently started running Boogie Beat
classes and hosted parties here. If you are
looking for something to do this Summer,
make sure you check out the Stirling Fringe
Festival! It is packed full of fun things to do
and Boogie Beat will be there!
Zoe’s Local Recommendations
Briarlands Farm, Blair Drummond
Blair Drummond Safari Park
Good Green Fun, Stirling
Kings Park, Stirling
Bridge of Allan Sports Club
Lecropt Nursery, Bridge of Allan
Bologna, Bridge of Allan
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another Ruby Ruby in Dunblane.
Join us on Facebook to keep up to date!
16
families central scotland / issue 33
105 High Street, Tillicoultry
Tel 01259 752755
www.ochileyes.co.uk
Tips for Long Car
Journeys with Kids
tips for long car journeys
5.
By JW Patrick
T
he key to successful long car
journeys with kids is to think of it
as part of your holiday and make
sure you all enjoy it. This is a chance
to spend family time together, to talk,
to share each other’s music, to see
new things and to visit new places and
forge great memories. Every time you
complete a journey that is actually fun
for the children, the easier it will be to
sell them on the idea next time
1. Treat the car journey as the start of
your holiday (and not a chore) Make
sure it is fun for the kids and as stressfree as possible for mum and dad.
2. Eliminate as much time related
stress as possible In other words, try
not to have a ferry crossing booked
at the end of a 7 hour car drive. If
you can, overnight near the terminal. If
there’s no rush to get where you are
going, there’s no need to get stressed
about traffic or roadworks. Remember
your holiday has already started.
3. Charge up your screens and other
gadgets Buy or borrow at least one
portable DVD player, Nintendo or iPod
etc. Ensure every gadget is charged
ahead of travelling and that you have
enough travel leads and multi adaptors
for everyone to use the 12v cigarette
lighter socket. Obviously you don’t
want the kids plugged in to screens
for too long as they’ll never see where
they have been. So ration their screen
time and use it as a tool for rewarding
good behaviour.
4. Take regular breaks Break up your
journey regularly with picnics, walks and
play areas. Fresh air and a runaround
6.
7.
8.
for the kids plus a power
nap for the driver reduces
stress all round.
Buy some journey
presents (bribes)Buy
some small presents, like
Christmas stocking fillers,
and wrap them up for the
journey. Action figures,
crayons, DVDs etc. Ensure
they see the bag full of
presents beforehand. You
can then award a present
(bribe) for milestones or
legs of the trip achieved
without arguing, fighting or
tantrums
Stock up with snacks OK,
your back seat upholstery
will take a bit of a hammering but
snacks are so, so important. Pack a
snack bag that can be pulled out when
you sense that their attention and
patience may be waning.
Play games and quizzes Kids have
you all to themselves for once (and
vice versa) so why not take advantage?
50 Games to Play in Cars is good.
(Usborne books) Our favourite is this
number plate game: Take the letters
from the number plate of the car in
front of you and make up a proper
sentence. Score points and prizes for
cleverest or funniest etc. Nowadays,
you can buy all sorts of spotter charts
for particular landmarks and vehicles
for the children to look out for. Car
journeys are also a good opportunity
to test their spelling and maths ability.
There are no distractions (for either
of you) and they often enjoy this time,
knowing you are not secretly checking
your emails or texts.
Travel in convoy, if possible If you’re
holidaying with friends or grandparents
then, if possible, travel in convoy. It
makes such a difference for them to
see a new friend or face when you
stop and gives them something else to
look forward to.
9. Involve them in navigation Take with
you a map or two and buy a couple of
packets of ‘organiser’ sticky dots, one
colour for each child. Tell them where
they are heading to, where they are
staying next, or are passing through and
award them coloured dots to place on
the map for whoever sees the town/
sea/river first. If you have SatNav, you’ll
notice how quickly they fathom the
concept of the map and soon become
aware of how long it takes to travel
from town to town.
10. Stock up on essentials such as
baby wipes and water Lots of baby
wipes are a must. As well as bottles
of drinking water, we keep several big
jerrycans of 5 and 10 litres of water
in the boot, pretty much permanently.
Sooner or later you’ll be thankful you
did too. (Spills, puke, poo, sand, mud
etc.) We also keep a roll of black
bin bags in the boot as sometimes
a complete set of clothing or shoes
needs separated from everything else
until such time it can be dealt with
properly.
Read more family stories at
www.jwpatrick.co.uk
enjoy
S T I R L I N G
ROCK SCHOOL
nature
Professional Tuition from one of Scotland’s Premier Rock Musicians
RUNRIG’S BRIAN HURREN
Open Monday - Saturday (Ages 3+)
Levenhall Links, Musselburgh
21–22 May 2016
Tickets £12, children £2
(under 5s free). Members discount.
K E Y B O A R D | G U I T A R | D R U M S
Half price early
bird offer
(T’s & C’s apply)
E
FR
ur L
yo IA
ok TR
Bo E Classes | One to One | Pre-School & Birthday Parties MUSIC
MONSTERS
Telephone:
StirlingRockSchool.co.uk 01786 448 417
www.
bignaturefestival.org.uk
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654. mages: children by Helen Patience. 770-1844-15-16
17
out & about
aturday 1st September
Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks
in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.
Thursday 3rd March
World Book Day Look out for
your £1 voucher at school or
nursery. www.worldbookday.org
Friday 4th March
St Ninians Playgroup Open Day
This is an opportunity to see the
playgroup in action, chat to the
friendly staff and let your child have
a play whilst you visit. 10-11am. For
more information contact Elaine
Paterson on 07757 741073.
Saturday 5th March
Howie’s Kids Club at Howgate
Shopping Centre Falkirk Fun and
entertainment for children age 11
and under. Get ready for Mothers
day with our Marvellous Mums
event. Check www.intohowgate.
co.uk for details.
Tracks and Trails at Jupiter
Wildlife Centre Grangemouth
Who’s been hiding in the woods at
Jupiter? Look for the tracks, follow
a trail and see if you can find out!
This event is aimed at children
aged between 5 and 10. Booking
essential. Email jupiterranger@
scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call
01324 486475.
Labyrinth (U) Bo’ness
Hippodrome 11am.
Sunday 6th March
Little Seedlings Club at Dobbies
check in store for details.
Saturday 12th March
Mousetale Puppets presents:
Oscar and the Quest for the
Underground Princess at
The Falkirk Town Hall Oscar
is irresistibly drawn into an
underground myth when he
receives a mysterious riddle to
solve. Martin, a prince in the mole
kingdom, needs Oscar’s help to
find the beautiful Princess Emily.
Armed with nothing but a cream
bun and an electric guitar, Oscar
is determined to have lots of fun
along the way! An adorable puppet
show for ages 4+. 2pm. www.
falkirkcommunitytrust.org
Capture the Flag (PG) Bo’ness
Hippodrome 11am.
Wednesday 16th to
Sunday 20th March
Bo’ness Hippodrome Festival
of Silent Cinema www.
falkirkcommunitytrust.org
18
Thursday 17th to Sunday
20th March
Monument Dance present Dance
by Numbers at Macrobert Arts
Centre Join Monument Dance
as they perform another fantastic
show as part of their annual
showcase. 7pm and 2pm matinee
on Saturday. For tickets and
information phone 01786 466666.
Saturday 19th March
Buster Keaton’s My Wife’s
Relations, and A Pair of Tights
Part of the Hippodrome Festival of
Silent Cinema.
Easter Family Fun Day in the
Muir Hall in Doune Run jointly
by Doune Baby and Toddler
Group and Red Kite Community
Nursery, there will be family fun
and entertainment including
bouncy castle, local fire engine visit
and chocolate tombola as well as
refreshments and home baking.
2pm-4pm, Muir Hall, Doune.
Adults-£1, Children-50p.
Kinneil House and Museum Open
Day An opportunity to see the
extraordinary Renaissance wall
paintings within the magnificent
Kinneil House which dates back
to the 15th and 16th centuries.
Guides from The Friends of Kinneil
will be on hand to take you
through this historic house and
tell its fascinating story, including
a nearby Roman fortlet and the
resident ghost! Free. Phone 01324
590900 for information.
Sunday 20th March
Peter Pan Part of the Hippodrome
Festival of Silent Cinema.
Laurel and Hardy – From Soup to
Nuts, We Faw Down and Liberty.
Part of the Hippodrome Festival of
Silent Cinema.
Monday 21st and
Tuesday 22nd March
Forth Valley Schools Dance
Competition at Macrobert Arts
Centre Join around 400 secondary
school pupils from across Stirling,
Falkirk and Clackmannan as they
compete in the annual Forth
Valley Schools Dance Competition.
7.30pm. For tickets phone 01786
466666
Friday 25th to Monday
28th March
Easter Egg Specials At Bo’ness
Steam Railway A free tasty Easter
treat for every child. Wear your
traditional Easter Bonnet for the
families central scotland / issue 33
chance to win a prize and have fun
in the museum hunting the Easter
Eggs! For times and information
visit www.bkrailway.co.uk
Easter at The Wallace Monument
Easter is the perfect time to bring
the whole family to The National
Wallace Monument. Climb the 246
steps to the Monument’s Crown
and enjoy live actor performances
of Tales from the Battlefield. www.
nationalwallacemonument.com
Celebrate Easter Georgian Style
at Callendar House We welcome
you to the Georgian kitchen at
Callendar House to sample some
traditional Easter dishes of the
period. Why not try our Simnel
Cake and Hot Cross Buns and
learn how the Georgians coloured
their eggs. Join the cook by the
roaring fire in Georgian kitchen
for a leg of lamb being roasted on
the spit with samples being offered
in the afternoon of Saturday 26th.
Free.
Friday 25th and Saturday
26th March
Easter Fun at The Howgate
Shopping Centre Lots of fun and
entertainment in the centre with
giant rabbits, Easter chick hunt,
Easter crafts and storytelling!
Check www.intohowgate for
details.
Saturday 26th March
Family Cycling Stirling – Easter
Bonanza! Hunt for Easter eggs,
bring your bike, try some bike
arts and crafts, brave the pump
track and test your skills. 10-2pm
at Wallace High School. Free. See
www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk for
more details.
Saturday 26th and
Sunday 27th March
Festival of Foolery at Stirling
Castle Join us this Easter for
Festival of Foolery, an entire
weekend dedicated to fun –filled
frivolity. Learn the tricks of the
trade from the court jester and
entertain the royal court. Try your
hand at renaissance games and
take part in our art activities. 124pm. Event Included in admission
price.
Saturday 26th March to
Monday 28th March
Celebrate Easter at Callendar
House Meet the Callendar House
Easter bunny who will give you
one of his eggs to decorate.
All the eggs will be judged in a
competition with special prizes to
be won. Then follow our bunny to
the park for an egg and spoon race
– adults too! Take your egg to the
top of the hill and get ready to roll.
Finally our Easter bunny will lead
you through a ‘warm-up’ before
taking you to the walled garden
for the Easter hunt. Event is on at
various times. Please check www.
falkirkcommunitytrust.org for
more details. £5 per child. Tickets
from The Steeple Box Office or
phone 01324 506850.
Sunday 27th March
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny
at Dobbies As part of the
experience, your little one can
get the day off to a good start
by tucking into a 4 item kids hot
breakfast served with toast and
a soft drink. After breakfast the
games begin with Easter activities
and a whole load of fun with
the Easter Bunny. Phone 01786
458860 Pre booking essential.
Monday 28th March
The Railway Children (Live
screening) at The Macrobert
Arts Centre and The Bo’ness
Hippodrome The mesmerising
return of the National Railway
Museum and York Theatre Royal’s
award winning production of The
Railway Children.
Friday 1st April
Swoosh at Macrobert Arts
Centre Come and join Shadow
in a brand new enchanting,
underwater adventure. Swooshing,
twirling, diving, dashing, whirling,
jumping, whooshing, splashing.
Swoosh is a multi- sensory,
interactive and highly visual theatre
performance, incorporating live
music, dance, song and film. 11am
and 2pm. Suitable for ages 0-5.
www.macrobertartscentre.org
Saturday 2nd April
Howie’s Kids Club at the
Howgate Shopping Centre Free
activities for children. 11-3 at The
Hub next to M and S. Join in the
fun and magic with Uncle Billy.
www.intohowgate.com
Camouflage crazy at Jupiter
Wildlife Centre Grangemouth
Help us hunt for hidden wildlife
in the woods before having a
go at camouflaging yourself!
Expect to get messy! This
event is aimed at children aged
between 5 and 10. Booking
essential. Email jupiterranger@
scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or call
01324 486475.
Tuesday 5th and
Wednesday 6th and
Tuesday 12th and
Wednesday 13th April
All Fired Up! Family Fun Activities at the
Museum of Scottish Railways and Bo’ness and
Kinneil Railway Get All Fired Up this Easter
at The Museum of Scottish Railways with a
variety of fun art and science-based drop-in
activities for the whole family! Come along,
join in and fire your imagination at Bo’ness this
Easter! See our website www.bkrailway.co.uk
for updates.
Wednesday 6th April
Minibeast Mayhem at Jupiter Wildlife Centre
Grangemouth Have you ever seen a leopard
slug or a devil’s coach horse? Join us if you
dare on a mega minibeast mission! This event
is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10.
Booking essential. Email jupiterranger@
scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or
call 01324 486475.
Thursday 7th April
Hairy Maclary & Friends at Falkirk Town
Hall Following the huge success of The Hairy
Maclary and Friends Show, which has toured
the UK, Asia and a residency at Sydney Opera
House, our favourite posse of pooches return
to FTH with a new set of stories. Catch up
with Hairy, Hercules Morse Bottomley Potts,
Muffin Maclay, Scarface Claw and meet his
new feline friends in a show packed with fun
storytelling and catchy songs. 2pm. For tickets
and information phone 01324 506850.
Family Fun at the Speirs Centre, Alloa Family
fun with a Magic Show from 11-12 and 12.301.30. For tickets and information visit www.
atcbid.com or call into the Speirs Centre
Library. Tickets cost £2.
Saturday 9th April
Pirates & Princesses Parade, Falkirk Town
Centre On-street Pirate capers, face-painting,
story-telling, arts & crafts, how to be a pirate
and princess etiquette lessons and much more
from 12noon, featuring a town centre market
from 11 – 4pm. Captain Barbarossa and the
crew will be meeting hopeful crew members
on the High Street from 1.30pm. The parade
leaves the bandstand area at 3.30pm. All Pirates
and Princesses, young and old, are invited to
dress up, bring flags or banners and enjoy the
fun. Prizes for all! www.falkirkdelivers.co.uk
Pirate Treasure Hunt in Falkirk Town Centre
Commencing at 1.30pm and 2.30pm. Follow
the clues with the Pirate gang to find Captain
Barbarossa’s treasure then share the bounty
before he realises it’s gone. Children must be
accompanied by an adult over 16yrs.
www.falkirkdelivers.co.uk
Thursday 14th April
Family Fun at the Speirs Centre, Alloa Come
along and meet the bearded dragon and the
pygmy hedgehog along with other animals
from Zoo Lab. 11-12 and 12.30-1.30. For
tickets and information visit www.atcbid.com
or call into the Speirs Centre Library. Tickets
cost £2.
Rainbow Magic Live - Saving Fairlyand at The
Albert Halls Rainbow Fairies – These beloved
children’s books from Rainbow Magic™
come to life in a brand new musical stage
production. Follow best friends Rachel and
Kirsty as they help their fairy friends hunt for
magical moonstones or tackle naughty goblins
... having lots of fun and adventures along the
way. Produced in association with The Panto
Company. For tickets and information phone
01786 473544.
Saturday 23rd April
Leaf by Niggle at Macrobert Arts Centre A
delightful puppet show for the young and the
old, or even if you don’t have any kids! Niggle
is a painter. Not a very successful one, partly
because he has so many other things to do.
For some time he has been obsessed with one
particular canvas – a curious picture of a tree
with a vast landscape stretching out behind it.
The painting keeps getting bigger and bigger,
but Niggle has a journey to make. He doesn’t
want to go, but he cannot get out of it. Suitable
for ages 10+ www.macrobertartscentre.org
out & about
12noon and 3pm. For tickets and information
phone 01786 466666.
May The Forth Fun Run in Bo’ness The first
ever Bo’ness May the Forth Fun Run! With
fantastic views over the inner Forth estuary,
this run takes in woodlands, meadows, coast,
part of the John Muir Way and the historic
town of Bo’ness, near Falkirk. An ideal entrylevel, 4 mile trail run for runners of all ages and
abilities. Free but registration essential. www.
falkirkcommunitytrust.org
Saturday 7th May
Howie’s Kids Club at the Howgate Shopping
Centre Free activities for children. 11-3 at The
Hub next to M and S. Join in the fun with The
McDougall’s Silly Singalong.
www.intohowgate.com
Check out our new ‘what’s on’
guide on our website at
www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk
St Ninians Playgroup Family Fun Day There
will be games, face painting, tombola, home
baking and a light lunch. There will also be a
raffle with excellent prizes on offer. The Fun
Day is £1 entry per adult and children go free.
There is guaranteed fun for all the family so
come for lunch and join in the fun. 11-1pm.
Kirk Wynd, Stirling.
Sunday 24th April
Children’s Classic Concerts present Three
Little Pigs Join Owen and Olly and their
brand-new mini orchestra for a fun-filled hour
of musical storytelling, well-known tunes and
lots of joining in. Featuring The Three Little Pigs
from Revolting Rhymes, this concert celebrates
Roald Dahl’s 100th birthday and brings to life
some of his best-loved stories. 2.30pm.
www.macrobertartscentre.org
Saturday 30th April and
Sunday 1st May
RSPB Scotland Loch Leven Family Fun
Weekend Drop into the reserve this weekend
for an action packed nature discovery
adventure. Take the wildlife challenge, join in
with hands on activities, experiment with the
art of den building, discover what lies beneath
the pond’s surface and enter our grand designs
bird feeder competition. www.rspb.org.uk/
lochleven Standard entry charges apply
(FREE for members), plus £5 per child for all
activities. RSPB Scotland Loch Leven Centre,
Loch Leven Reserve, Kinross. 10-4pm.
Funbox present Superheroes at Macrobert
Arts Centre Join Gary, Anya and Kevin on a
super quest to find their keys and open the
Funbox. Crime fighting Funster duo Fluffy and
Flossie are also back to help us along the way
and Bonzo’s alter ego, the mysterious Dog in
Pants, delivers his own brand of doggy justice!
Our holiday courses for children
aged 7 & 8 and 9-13 are suitable
for those who have either done no
cycle proficiency training or who
feel they need more practice to
cycle safely on the roads. We start
in a traffic free area before moving
onto quiet roads.
10am - 12 noon for
4 mornings £45 per
child 9 -13
2.00 - 3.30 pm for 4
afternoons £40 per
child 7 & 8
5th to
•Tuesday
7-10 April
4-7th
April
4-7 April
Friday
8th April
19
19
FAMILY
SHOWS @
Sailings
and events
throughout
the year
Connect With Us:
MacrobertArtsCentre
@macrobert
Renfrewshire Leisure in parnership
with right2dance and Vanessa Rigg
SWOOSH
Fri 1 Apr, 11am & 2pm
D
Tickets: £8.50 / £30 Wee Group Saver
The Steamship Sir Walter Scott
is fully wheelchair friendly
Ages 0
Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott
to 5
Children’s Classic Concerts
THE THREE
LITTLE PIGS
Steeped in history and legend, Loch Katrine is the
ideal place to start your family-friendly adventure.
Take a minute, enjoy the breathtaking scenery, have
a bite to eat and explore somewhere special.
Sun 24 Apr, 2.30pm
Tickets: £10.50 / £6.50 / £31 Family Saver
Ages 4
• Classic Steamship Cruises on the Sir Walter Scott
(Commence on Friday 25th March 2016)
Funbox
SUPERHEROES
• Legends of the Loch Cruise on the Lady of the Lake
Sat 30 Apr & Sun 1 May
12noon & 3pm
• Lochside Dining in the Brenachoile Restaurant
• Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts
• Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire
• Borg Grech Photography
Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ
Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: [email protected]
www.lochkatrine.com
to 12
Tickets: £12.50 / £46 Family Saver
Ages 2
to 10
Book tickets:
01786 466666 | www.macrobertartscentre.org
THE NATIONAL
WALLACE
MONUMENT
STIRLING
1. left alligned
2. centred
The largest and still the best
network of performing arts
schools in the world.
3. as title
Nurturing and developing young
people’s potential through dance,
drama and singing.
for 4-18 year olds, after school, at
weekends and holiday workshops.
For a prospectus, call
Stagecoach Stirling now
on: 0131 337 7774
or email:
[email protected]
Special events for all the family to enjoy!
March - October 2016
STAGECOACH STIRLING
ENROLLING NOW FOR
SPRING!
Historical presentations
and activities in a
magnificent setting.
Event details can be found online at www.nationalwallacemonument.com.
Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF
Telephone: (01786) 472140
[email protected]
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alligned
2.2.centred
centred