Families Glasgow Issue 65 Sep Oct 17

FT REE AKE ME HOM E

Glasgow

IN THIS ISSUE

Win Christmas Show Tickets Panto at the SEC and Tron Theatre up for grabs

Bumper What's On Guide Including Halloween - sorted!

Great Minds How to help your child fulfil their intellectual potential

Gordon Buchanan Meet the man behind “Animal Family and Me”

Issue 65 Sept/Oct 2017

familiesonline.co.uk

Visit us in Soar at Braehead and make your own chocolate.

What delicious fun!

Love. Chocolate.

www.thecocoabeancompany.com

2 Families Glasgow

familiesonline.co.uk

In this Issue...

2-7

News & Views

8 Win! 9-11

Tips & Advice Nurture Your Child’s Mind

12

Gordon Buchanan interview

13-19 Bumper What’s On including Halloween

Welcome to Issue 65!

H

ands up who’s had their heating on already! It seems as soon as August has passed, all eyes turn towards the winter celebrations, and who am I to argue with a little upbeat anticipation?

The theatres have announced their Christmas shows, and I am thrilled to be able to offer up tickets to both Jack and the Beanstalk at the SEC and Alice in Weegieland at the Tron Theatre. The Citizen’s Theatre and Cumbernauld Theatre also have exciting shows planned, so do check out their programs and get organised with tickets!

In all the talk about the big C, let’s not forget to enjoy the autumn season: crunchy leaves, conkers, the first hot chocolate on a cold day, and of course Halloween! Our What’s On page is stuffed full of awesome events for this year, including the popular Paisley Halloween Festival and return of the Castlemilk Park Pumpkin Festival.

Keep your eye on our Facebook page for updates on pumpkin picking events, especially the popular Arnprior Pumpkins which opens October 14th. And for kids looking to spend some of that energy pent up during the school day, why not take advantage of our 10% discount at Air Space?

Have a wonderful autumn!

Best wishes,

Join in the fun at Rugbytots!

T

heir fun, structured weekly play sessions take children on a journey of sporting imagination with engaging and energetic coaches supporting them every step of the way, whilst teaching how to catch, pass, kick and run with the ball, and play as part of the team.

Get in touch

Editor: Susanne Hein editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk, 01355 459 314 Keep up to date at www.familiesonline.co.uk

What can your child expect?

‘Be prepared to run across the jungle, wade through the quick sand or sprint thought Rugbytots Valley avoiding all the smoking boulders. Get ready to protect your egg, launch a missile or attack the pirates and seize the shop, all this of course, whilst trying to avoid the evil side lines!”

Weekly Classes:

Newton Mearns & Pollockshields, Bearsden, West End, Bishopbriggs, Bridge of Weir & Erskine To find out more or to book a class visit our website at www.rugbytots.co.uk.

If you have any questions, please e-mail scotland@rugbytots.co.uk

FamiliesGlasgow Next issue: November/December Tell us about any events or classes that you want to publicise.

Please get in touch Booking deadline: October 13th Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more.

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Printed By J Thomson Colour Printers.

Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine September 2017.

Families Glasgow is part of Families Print Ltd, a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families is a registered trademark of LCMB Ltd, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Glasgow are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Families Glasgow.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Families Glasgow; our distributors, the franchise company, Families Print Ltd, and Lifecycle Marketing cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Let us know!

All feedback welcome, please email us at editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk

Community Corner To nominate a charity, social enterprise or voluntary community organisation to for our next issue please e-mail... editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk with subject “community corner” and include up-to-date contact details – don’t forget to include your reason for nominating this organisation!

LANGUAGE CENTRE & CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP The Language Hub C.IC. 52 Keith Court, Glasgow, G11 6QW www.thelanguagehub.co.uk info@thelanguagehub.co.uk t: 0141 258 2700 m: 07505 144 476

drama for the early years

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

Families Glasgow 3

­Go on an adventure

with Glasgow Subway!

From museums and parks to craft sessions and feasts for the whole family, the Glasgow Subway has got you covered over the school holidays!

With a Smartcard you can travel the entire Subway network, jumping on and off as you please. If you’re taking the kids as well, children under five can travel for free, whilst those under 16 travel all day for £1.35. And with staff on hand to assist with your pram and any other needs, we take the stress away letting you enjoy your family day out!

With 15 stops conveniently located around the centre, it’s easy to visit the sights and you won’t wait more than eight minutes for a train, phew!

So hop on board and see where the Subway will take you!

Visit spt.co.uk/family

National Baby Swimming Week This year’s celebration of helping our little ones learn this important life skill is from October 16th to 22nd.

If you are keen to take on this task yourself, you could do worse than equip your little one with Sevylor’s Puddle Jumper. This revolutionary swimming aid designed for little swimmers aged three to nine (or children between 15-30kg) is made of a sturdy and durable construction, offering the same level of buoyancy as a lifejacket! Our tester Leila and her dad confirm that it’s comfortable, doesn’t chafe and is super easy to put on and take off – but only by a parent!

If you would rather trust an expert with this important task, why not give our friends at SwimEasy a call – they will ensure your child is taught proper skills for a lifetime of enjoyment of the sport of swimming.

Register for Wear A Hat Day 2018...

...and start planning your event!

W Air Space Offer

T

he Summer holidays may be over for another year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop!

Air Space, Glasgow’s original trampoline park, is here to make sure the kids still have a place to let off steam and jump for joy this term. Explore over 100 connected trampolines and 12 unique jumping zones, including the awesome penalty shoot-out, slam dunk lanes, giant airbag and much more!

Parents will love it, too, at Air Space Glasgow, even if they’re not coming along for a bounce! The cafe overlooks the entire trampoline park, and serves tasty snacks and a great coffee.

Plus, exclusively for the new school term, get 10% off 60 minute General Access sessions at Air Space Glasgow, when you use code SCHOOL10.

Located in Playsport, East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 4GT. Book online at air-space.co.uk

4 Families Glasgow

ear A Hat Day is the UK’s premier brain tumour research fundraising event. It takes place on Thursday 29th March 2018. March is also UK Brain Tumour Awareness Month. Schools and families across the country get involved to help raise funds for research into brain tumors’.

Brain tumors kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer… yet just 1% of the national spend on cancer research has been allocated to this devastating disease.

Families are being left devastated by this dreadful disease. This is unacceptable!

Brain Tumour Research is the only national charity in the UK that is purely dedicated to raising funds for continuous and sustainable scientific research into brain tumours.

Taking part can be as simple as putting on a hat and donating on the day, but most families like to create entertaining fundraising events. Many schools for example have inventive hat competitions, parades and fashion shows and raise hundreds if not thousands of pounds.

On average, organisations raise £250, with small ones £50 and some raising more than £2,000! Whatever target you set yourselves aim to smash it!!

More information, event ideas and fundraising tips can be found online: www.wearahatday.org.

Register now on www.wearahatday.org and start planning your hattastic fundraising event.

Your fundraising pack will be sent out in early 2018 and will include leaflets, posters, balloons, wristbands and badges to help promote your event and smash your fundraising target! familiesonline.co.uk

Meet Bonnie, the Glasgow 2018 European Championships Mascot

B

onnie the seal has been unveiled as the new face of the Glasgow 2018 European Championships, with less than one year to go until the new must-attend, must-watch event which will see more than 3,000 of the best athletes on the continent compete in a range of venues in Scotland.

Being a young seal pup, Bonnie has lots of energy and a sense of adventure. She doesn’t always get things right on first try, but knows the most important thing is to at least have a go and try her best.

Bonnie is so excited to be the Glasgow 2018 Mascot and can't wait to make new friends. She'll be visiting lots of events across Scotland over the next year so make sure you ask her for a sealfie if you happen to see her!

Keep up to date with Bonnie’s adventures: • Facebook - /Glasgow 2018 Mascot • Instagram - Glasgow2018Mascot • Twitter - @Gla2018Mascot • #BonnieTheSeal Get to know Bonnie and watch her story at... www.glasgow2018.com/bonnie

Tickets for the Glasgow 2018 European Championships are on sale now.

familiesonline.co.uk

Secure your seat at glasgow2018.com/tickets

Families Glasgow 5

Directed by Dominic Hill

28 Nov – 31 Dec A fun and alternative twist on a classic tale

Recommended for 6+

Relaxed performances 13 Dec 10.30am & 7pm

citz.co.uk 0141 429 0022 Citizens Theatre Ltd. Registered in Scotland No. SC022513 and is a Scottish Charity No. SC001337.

6 Families Glasgow

W

hy is it important to choose the right swimming lessons provider to teach your child to swim? Why is it essential that you choose one swimming lessons company over another? Why are our teachers better than other teachers who teach swimming?

Because all parents want to know that they are buying the very best that they can buy for their child. In the main you would be forgiven for thinking that all Swimming Lessons are the same - they are definitely not, and nobody teaches better than SwimEasy Teachers.

SwimEasy‘s Quality Swimming Lessons are delivered by the best trained swimming teachers in Glasgow whether you live in the South Side, the West End or in the North of the City.

SwimEasy provide quality swimming lessons, where children are taught to swim properly and taught by expertly trained teachers.

Parents travel to our venues because our teaching staff focus on helping children to swim, to be safe, to get fit and to have fun.

The SwimEasy Programme has over 20 years of teaching experience and we are a Scottish based company. We have taught thousands of children to swim and are genuinely the largest provider of quality swimming lessons in Scotland. Our staff understand more about the sport of swimming than any other provider of lessons. We understand that swimming is indeed a sport and that all children should be taught as if they were potential young athletes.

We not only teach children to swim but specialise in progressing young athletes into the sport - five SwimEasy graduates represented Scotland in the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

SwimEasy is the market leader in the teaching of swimming nobody does it better.

Call us now on 0141 328 3942 to discuss your child’s needs. www.swimeasy.co.uk

A Christmas Carol Thu 30 Nov – Sun 24 Dec

Celebrate Christmas at Cumbernauld Theatre as they bring you a fantastic new adaptation of an all-time classic tale: Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol.

They are rightly proud of their great reputation for making terrific shows suitable for all the family aged 5 to 105 – with their unique blend of magic and mayhem that keeps everyone involved!

This year they are telling Dickens’ greatest of tales – complete with beautiful designs, friendly ghosts, and featuring one of the most famous characters ever written… the mealy-mouthed Scrooge!

With great value ticket prices, why not join them this Christmas for madness, mayhem and plenty of Christmas fun and experience Dickens’ classic tale of the true joys of Christmas with all the family?

01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk familiesonline.co.uk

My Child Hates School: What can I do?

By Liat Hughes Joshi

How to cope with school refuseniks

Not all children skip happily through the school gates every day.

Here’s what you can do to help…

Keep calm (not easy we know but do try…)

If your little one starts to associate mornings with being told off and feeling stressed, it could add to their anxieties.

It might just be a phase

Many children have a phase when they’re not keen on school; this might resolve itself within a few days. Meanwhile if you’re sure they’re just ‘trying it on’, stand firm and make it clear that school is non-negotiable.

Fake illnesses can be a headache…

Mysterious maladies are common when kids don’t want to go to school, although it can be difficult to decipher whether they’re crying wolf or actually ill. Threatening a trip/ call to the doctors will usually get illness fibbers miraculously cured.

Consider potential causes

Work on getting your child to open up when it’s not the ‘heat of the moment’, so not when you’re late for school and they’re in tears.

Common reasons for school aversion include bullying/ friendship problems, boredom, learning difficulties, a tricky relationship with a teacher or a major family event, such as divorce or bereavement.

Meet with their teacher

Have a chat with their teacher to identify and work on any underlying issues going on in the classroom, playground or at home so you can carve out an action plan together.

Still struggling?

Support for severe cases should be available via your GP who might make a referral to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) or a private child psychologist.

Liat is a parenting journalist and the author of four books including 'New Old-fashioned Parenting' and 'How to Unplug Your Child' (both published by Summersdale) and Raising Children: The Primary Years (Pearson).

familiesonline.co.uk

Families Glasgow 7

Alice in Weegieland Tron Theatre’s annual panto sees Alice enticed down a rabbit hole by a mysterious white rabbit fully fluent in the Glesga-banter! She ends up in Weegieland, where she encounters a pantospherical wonderland populated with talking creatures, maniacal powerhungry queens and the Mad, Bad Cat in the Hatter. But will she ever be able to leave? With all the usual irreverent mayhem, hilarious original songs and festive fun, Alice in Weegieland is suitable for young people aged 6 years and over.

To win a family ticket

Email Families at competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Alice in Weegieland”) with your name and address by October 10th. Standard terms and Conditions apply.

WIN A FAMILY JUMP

FOR 4 AT

AIR SPACE

GLASGOW!

CLOSING DATE 31.10.17 TO ENTER, VISIT AIR-SPACE.CO.UK/FAMILIES 8 Families Glasgow

Jack and the Beanstalk Join comedy sensations Gary: Tank Commander and The Dolls at this year’s spectacular SEC Armadillo family pantomime, Jack & the Beanstalk, from Sat 16th Dec until Sun 7th Jan. Mistakenly selling the family cow for only a bag of beans, Gary (Jack’s brother) faces the wrath of his mischievous aunties (The Dolls), before finding that the ‘magic’ beans open-up an unexpected world of adventure.

To win a family ticket

Simply answer the following question: What animal did Gary sell in exchange for a bag of beans?

E-mail your answer to Families at competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Jack and the Beanstalk”) with your name and address by October 10th.

Standard terms and Conditions apply.

Banana Joe You could win a selection pack of banana chips by entering our BANANA JOE prize draw! Loved by parents and their little monkeys alike these crispy, thin and savoury banana crisps are made in Thailand and you get 2 whole bananas in each pack! And they don’t even taste of banana!

New to the UK, and coming soon to all good health food stores in Glasgow, they come in 5 great flavours and are all gluten free and all Vegan (except the Gruyere Cheese flavour) and contain only natural flavourings.

Win and you will receive a 50g pack of each flavour - Sea Salt, Sweet Chilli, Sriracha* Chilli, Gruyere Cheese and Hickory BBQ (Great taste award winners in 2017!)

To find out more about Banana Joe including where to buy them please visit www.thecococonutkitchen.co.uk or www. bananajoechips.co.uk

To WIN a Banana Joe selection

Email Families at competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Banana Joe”) with your name and address by October 10th. Standard terms and Conditions apply. familiesonline.co.uk

Photo by Zul Bhatia

A Festival of Music and Merriment

O

ur trip was never going to be the stuff of legend: three women and four girls aged five (x3) and nine, together with three cars full of everything bar the kitchen sink, heading into a blustery, wet camping week-end. We didn’t know the layout, or the festival, but some of the kids had never been camping before and were suitably excited.

My daughter and I had been to Doune the Rabbit Hole a couple of years earlier – an intimate, super family friendly festival near Stirling. But with the start of school we decided the timing wasn’t great, and so here we were, checking out Mugstock.

We arrived in the early afternoon on Friday, and check in was seamless, with the knowledgeable staff making us feel immediately comfortable. The parking field was so close to the family camping that the trolley we had brought was almost not needed – the kids had fun pulling it, and the other campers were so friendly, I’m convinced someone would have given us a hand if we had needed it.

The rain was our biggest enemy, and despite the kids being wrapped up, and our best efforts, day two dawned wet and grey.

Bottled water had been left at the field entrance and the hot water at the sink station was very welcome for washing dishes.

After breakfast, we hopped straight onto the shuttle bus. It takes you along the 10-15-minute walk to the park itself. Near enough to wander with 5yr olds, but far enough to not hear the bands at midnight. The park does not close to the public for the festival, so it’s important your wristbands are clearly visible. It’s very effective, as it also means the stables and courtyard café are open to both public and festival goers – together with the toilet facilities.

Our first stop was the Corrie main stage for coffee, and we were immediately impressed with the variety and quality of food on offer (halloumi fries, anyone?). The kids were drawn to the Jolly Lovely Field, where acrobats, scientists and musical theatre directors kept them suitably amused. The rain kept coming, and our most hardy intentions were washed away with the flood of muddy socks.

The kids wanted to stay, but the adults were suffering from sleep-deprivation and damp hangovers, so the executive decision to pack up was made. We stayed until everyone was ready to drop, safe in the knowledge that we could be back in our comfy beds in no time. And really, that is one of the biggest draws for this chilled out, welcoming festival – even in the worst weather, home is just a short car journey away.

We will definitely be back, and with any luck, the weather will be better next year. Even if it isn’t, we now know to come daily when it’s not so favourable, and leave the tent at home.

The first batch of tickets for MugStock 2018 (27th - 30th July) have already been released. Weekend tickets are currently a ridiculously cheap £50 (plus optional £5 for camping).

Discounted day tickets are also on sale now.

GLASGOW’S ORIGINAL TRAMPOLINE PARK

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KILBRIDE, GLASGOW G74 4GT

Families Glasgow 9

Parent 2 Parent

Favourite night out with the kids

Going to late night shopping centres and getting dinner.

M

No parent should be without

y name is Melissa Fletcher and I run Mum2mum nearly-new baby and children’s sales in the Glasgow/ East Renfrewshire area. They are held in Stamperland Church in Clarkston and are a great way for parents to buy or sell their unwanted, pre-loved baby/children’s clothes, toys, books, prams/buggies, furniture, equipment and lots more! Some local baby- and child-related businesses also attend the sales, which is a great way for parents to see what’s on in their areaIf you want to know more about Mum2mum and when our next sales are, feel free to contact me on mel@mum2mummarket.co.uk

A visit to a Mum2mum nearly new sale! Children can be so expensive, and we have managed to pick up many items we ordinarily wouldn’t have been able to get.

Why do you like living where you do?

Most embarrassing moment

We live in the Southside of Glasgow. We like the fact that where we live is quite leafy and quiet, and that everyone seems to be so friendly!

Favourite shop

I would have said Starbucks, as I have an addiction, but actual shop would have to be Primark – cheap clothes and lots of variety, what’s not to like?!

Favourite Park

Our local park – Rouken Glen. It has everything you need: a garden centre, boating lake, play areas, woodland walks and lovely cafes.

Favourite children’s club/class

I took my daughter to Baby Sensory when she was a teeny baby and really enjoyed it.

Favourite day out

We had a great time at the Heads of Ayr Farm recently, but I also enjoy going into Glasgow city centre and Largs/Troon when we have nice weather.

Favourite child friendly restaurant Prezzo – a hit with all the family.

Parenting pet hates

People giving advice when you didn’t ask for it, all you wanted to do was have a moan! Also up there on my list are parents whose children are always better/faster/smarter/funnier etc than yours.

All children are different - embrace that, rather than make life a competition!

One time that springs to mind was my daughter’s first birthday party. We invited family and friends, and spent lots of time preparing everything. The night before she had a really bad night’s sleep, and naturally decided that she wanted to make up her sleep during the actual party. We let her sleep as long as we could, before feeling we really had to wake her as some guests had come a long way to see her.

Big mistake! She wouldn’t stop crying, whining and moaning and my mum had to take her to stand outside for the majority of the time. We did the lighting of the birthday cake in the couple of minutes she stopped crying, but I’ve never felt so stressed out in my life! The good news is that everyone enjoyed the party (minus the birthday girl), and when she got home she had cheered right up and had a lovely time opening all her presents. That’s the part of her first birthday I like to remember!

Favourite family holiday spot

I have to say Disneyland – I would spend my life in Disney parks if I could. Everyone in the family can enjoy them. Even though my husband maintains he doesn’t like them at all and it’s torture to be there, I know he secretly enjoyed himself!

Most successful recipe/food

I make a gnocchi bake that is a hit with all the family – no mean feat!

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Creative Learning Corporation common shares are listed on OTCBB under the ticker symbol CLCN. © 2013 Bricks 4 Kidz

10 Families Glasgow

MAKE YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT MORE FUN!

kirsty@rugbytots.co.uk

rugbytots.co.uk

The world’s favourite rugby play programme

familiesonline.co.uk

High performance for all

By Wendy Berliner

W

ith the children back to school, or just starting school, you could be forgiven for thinking you are handing them over to the professionals and your job is just to make sure they get enough good food, rest and enjoyment so that they flourish in class.

Perhaps you think your teaching job is limited to hearing the little ones read while you make sure the bigger ones do their homework. But it’s more than that. What parents do at home educationally can make the difference between whether their children succeed at school or not.

The latest research from education and neuroscience proves how malleable the brain is, how learning potential can grow, how IQ isn’t fixed – it can go up if you invest in it, and it can probably go down if you don’t.

The truth is that with the right support at home, the vast majority of children could deliver performance at school more commonly associated with the gifted and talented. There’s room for a lot more at the top of the class.

In our new book Great Minds and How to Grow Them, Professor Deborah Eyre, a lifetime specialist in advanced learning, and myself, an education journalist who has taken a special interest in why some children from similar backgrounds do badly at school whilst others don’t, have looked at the research in detail and come up with guidance any parent can use at home, fitting it seamlessly and easily into normal daily life.

What follows are five top ideas you can use at home. They come from Deborah’s High Performance Learning system which is being introduced in schools in the UK and abroad and is detailed for parents in Great Minds and How to Grow Them.

How to create a high performing child 1. Cultivate confidence and resilience – if a child thinks they can, they keep trying. It’s the ones that think they can’t who fall behind – the ones who say ‘I’m rubbish at this’. Don’t sort everything out for them – and that includes tying their shoelaces as much as it does doing their homework. And model the behaviour – don’t give up too easily on things in your life.

Key words: How could you do this? Have you done anything similar before? What did you do then? ‘I know you can. I know it’s hard to do now but I know you can learn how to do this in time if you work at it.’ familiesonline.co.uk

2. Develop critical or logical thinking The ability to deduct, hypothesise, reason and seek evidence is probably the characteristic most associated with academic success.

Key words: ‘Why do you think. . . (bread goes mouldy, babies cry, leaves fall when autumn comes, people disagree about climate change?)’ ‘I wonder if that happened because of this?’ ‘How could I find out the truth about that?’

3. Encourage them to monitor their progress – very important to the high performer is knowing how they are doing, knowing they are on track with their homework for example, knowing they need to put more effort into improving certain things.

Key words: ‘What do you need to be able to do this? How can you check you’re on track? How can you tell whether you are doing it right?

4. Encourage open mindedness – being open to new ideas is the hallmark of an advanced learner. Start with being open minded yourself so you model what it’s like to be receptive of ideas that differ from your own.

Key words: ‘That’s different to us, isn’t that interesting?’ ‘I never thought of it like that, but that is such a good approach.’

5. Practice – it’s the only way to get good at something. Make sure it is regular, deliberate and planned, working towards achievable incremental goals and you practise what you can’t do until you can do it well.

Key words: ‘You are really good at that now, what’s the next step up from (playing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star on your recorder, writing a story of 100 words/ swimming a width of the pool?)’

Great Minds and How to Grow Them

by Wendy Berliner and Deborah Eyre.

For a 20% discount and free delivery of the book use webcode: GMGT230 on www.routledge.com Reader offer open till 31 December 2017.

Families Glasgow 11

Animal Families and Me with Gordon Buchanan

O

n 30th September audiences in Glasgow will have a unique opportunity to join Gordon Buchanan at the Mitchell Library, as the highly acclaimed television wildlife cameraman and presenter of the popular BBC ‘Animal Family and Me’ series shares an insight into his incredible experiences with some of the world’s most fearsome and majestic animals.

Hailing from the Isle of Mull in Western Scotland, Gordon has worked in wildlife documentaries for over 20 years. He is passionate about raising awareness of the world’s most endangered species & habitats and has led expeditions around the globe.

What do you think influenced your choice of career?

Definitely growing up on the Isle of Mull was a big influence – for two quite opposite reasons. Mull offered freedom and a sense of wilderness, but being an island, it was claustrophobic and limited in what it had to offer to someone with an adventurous spirit.

Were you always passionate about wildlife - even as a child?

As a kid I was wildly passionate about spending time outdoors, it was the only thing that mattered to me. Thinking back, I was always very bored indoors. There was nothing inside that compared to the adventures and excitement to be had out in the rain, wind, snow and occasional sunshine. Wildlife was part of that experience and I loved it but it wasn’t a junior naturalist. I didn’t have a binoculars, camera and almanac, just a pair of wellies

What's the most important thing you've learnt during your time as a cameraman and presenter, so far?

Work hard, follow your nose, trust your instincts and good things will come in life and in the wild.

What's your favourite part of the UK? And the World?

In the UK, the Highlands of Scotland around Aviemore has a special magic, it has some of the most grand and wild looking pine forest in the country. In particular Abernethy forest and the area around Loch Garten.

World? The Arctic. I love the place and the animals that live there.

After many years of driving that road back to Mull I never tire of the drive over Rannoch Moor and through Glen Coe.

12 Families Glasgow

What’s your favourite animal to film?

A hunting leopard takes some beating but any bird in flight is great fun and a challenge to film.

When you're not filming or working, how do you relax?

I’m not a great relaxer but in my free time I like to be outside without the pressure of having a camera. I have a little wooden boat that I love to be out in, rain or shine. Recently I have been heading over to the west coast to freedive. I am loving that. Watching fish, looking at sea urchins, starfish, soft corals, kelp forests is very relaxing. But equally I love just being at home on the sofa with Wendy, Lola and Harris, chilling at the weekend with some good tv and glass or two of wine.

In a parallel world, your alternative career would be….

I worked at a pony trekking center for years as a kid. I was majorly into horses. I used to ride in events around Argyll in the summer. I wanted to be an international show jumper but now I’d settle for being an Olympic cross-country rider. Sadly, I don’t bounce too well these days.

Advice to your 16-year-old self?

Don’t worry you’ll get there in the end so embrace, enjoy and make the very most of the opportunities that come your way.

Life is serious business so have as much fun as possible.

To WIN pair of tickets to see Gordon at the Mitchell Library e-mail Families at competitions@familiesglasgow.co.uk (subject: “Animal Families”) with your name and address by September 20th. Standard terms and Conditions apply. familiesonline.co.uk

Regular events Wee Kidders

Every Monday during term 5-6.30pm | S1-S3 | FREE Every Monday during term 3.30-5pm | P4-P7 | FREE Every Monday during term 3.30-4.30pm | P1-P3 | FREE Every Tuesday during term 3.30-4.30pm | P1-P3 | FREE The Village Storytelling Centre, 183 Meiklerig Crescent, Glasgow, G53 5NA, 0141 8823025 www.villagestorytelling.org.uk Hold on to your hats everybody because The Village’s young people’s storytelling group is back! Free to local children. Spaces are limited, please contact us to book.

Bilingual Book Readings

Various dates | pre-school | FREE Partick and Hillhead Libraries In April 2017, The Language Hub were awarded funding by the West of Scotland Regional Equality Council to run 25 bilingual reading sessions. Between August ‘17 and April ‘18, we will be reading well known children’s books in English and one other language. Children will also be able learn some words in the other language and there will still be time for some arts & crafts. Check thelanguagehub.co.uk/ bilingual-story-book-readings/ for details.

Glasgow Libraries’ Toddlers’ Tales

Various times | FREE | 3-5yrs Toddlers Tales is a fun, interactive, activity for parents, carers and children aged 3-5 years to enjoy together, giving them the opportunity to enjoy physical play and help the child build vocabulary and knowledge.​ Toddlers Tales sessions are held in the following libraries each week:​ ​Anniesland - Tuesday ​10.30pm ​Baillieston ​- Wednesday ​1pm ​Barmulloch ​- Tuesday 1pm ​Bridgeton - ​Tuesday 1pm ​Dennistoun - ​Monday 1pm ​Dennistoun - ​Friday 1​ 0.30pm ​Knightswood - ​Thursday 1.30pm ​Library @ The Bridge - Thursday​​10.30am ​Partick - ​Friday 10.30am ​Parkhead - ​Thursday 1​ pm ​Riddrie - T ​ uesday ​1pm ​Royston - ​Thursday 1​ pm ​Shettleston - ​Friday 1​ pm ​Springburn - ​Monday ​1.30pm ​Whiteinch - ​Wednesday ​1.30pm ​Woodside - ​Tuesday ​​2pm

Sculpture Club

Every Saturday | 10.00am–12pm & 1-3pm | FREE | 3-12yrs Glasgow Sculpture Studio, The Whisky Bond Dawson Road, Glasgow North G4 9SS, 0141 353 3708 We welcome children from pre-school to primary school age, and their families to learn various sculpture-making processes, discover new materials, play, socialise and learn about our exhibitions with our artists.

Workshops are delivered by practicing artists who are experienced workshop facilitators and delivered in our fully accessible arts centre.

familiesonline.co.uk

Toddler Time

Every Friday 11.30am – 12.30pm 1-3yrs | FREE Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, Strathclyde, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9500 Join us for fun in the galleries with songs, rhymes and stories. Sessions take inspiration from artworks and animals on display.

Timeline Workshops

Tuesdays and Thursdays | 16.30-19.30 | FREE | 5+ The Space, 257 London Road, Glasgow East End G40 1PE, 0141 237 1221 Come along, make new friends, share ideas and enjoy some free food! Workshops are as follows: 22nd and 24th August- Visual Art, 29th and 31st August- Creative Writing, 5th and 7th September- Music, 12th and 14th September- Drama Dinner is provided as part of the evening.

Booking is essential-please contact Kat or Becca to book.

Glasgow Libraries Bounce ‘N’ Rhyme

Various times | FREE | 0-3yrs A fun activity for parents, carers and children 3 or under with action songs, rhymes and stories that help children’s literacy and numeracy and are a great way for parents and carers to brush up on their nursery rhymes!

Bounce and Rhyme sessions are held regularly in libraries throughout Glasgow: Anniesland - ​Friday ​10.30am ​Baillieston - ​Wednesday ​10.30am ​Barmulloch - ​Tuesday ​10.30am ​Bridgeton - ​Tuesday ​10.30am ​Bridgeton - ​Friday ​10.30am ​Cardonald - ​Friday ​11.00am ​Castlemilk - ​Thursday ​10.30am ​Couper Institute - ​Monday ​1.30pm ​Dennistoun - ​Monday ​10.30am ​Dennistoun - ​Friday ​1.30pm ​Drumchapel - ​Thursday ​10.30am ​Elder Park - ​Monday ​1.30pm ​Gorbals - ​Monday ​1.30pm ​Govanhill - ​Wednesday ​1.30pm ​Hillhead - ​Monday ​10.30am ​Hillhead - ​Friday ​2.00pm ​Ibrox - W ​ ednesday ​10.30am ​Knightswood - ​Wednesday ​10.30am ​Knightswood - ​Friday ​1.30pm ​Langside - (age 0-12 mnth) ​Mon 10.30am Langside - (ages 1-2 years) Monday​1.30pm The Mitchell - ​Monday ​10.30am ​Library @ The Bridge - ​Thursday ​1.00pm ​Maryhill - ​Tuesday ​10.30am ​Milton - ​Tuesday ​2.15pm ​Parkhead - ​Monday ​1pm ​Parkhead - Wednesday ​10.30am ​Partick - ​Wednesday ​10.30am ​Partick - Thursday ​​11.30am ​Pollok - W ​ ednesday ​10.30am ​Pollokshaws - ​Friday ​1.30pm ​Pollokshields - ​Friday ​10.30am ​Riddrie - Tuesday ​10.30am ​Shettleston - ​Friday ​10.30am ​Springburn - ​Thursday ​12.15pm ​Whiteinch - ​Tuesday ​2pm ​Whiteinch - ​Thursday ​1.30pm ​Woodside - Tuesday ​10.30am

What’s On 26 AUG – 10 SEP Jurassic Kingdom Tour Glasgow 10am-6pm / £9.50 - £44 Glasgow Botanical Gardens, 730 Great Western Road, Glasgow G12 0UE www.eventbrite.co.uk Jurassic Kingdom, is a spectacular outdoor dinosaur experience aimed at family audiences with over 30 impressive installations of animated dinosaurs with electronic moving parts, making for a truly awesome educational and entertaining Jurassic experience! This is the first outdoor dinosaur experience of its kind in the UK and a truly entertaining and educational experience for children of all ages.

FRI 1 SEP Once Upon a Time - Each Peach Pear Plum 10.45am | pre 5s | £8 (grown ups free) Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA, 08448717627 http://www.atgtickets.com The Theatre Royal Glasgow runs regular delightful interactive workshops, inspired by favourite authors and much loved stories, for pre-5s

1 – 3 SEP Paw Patrol Live 10.30am, 1.30pm & 4.30pm / From £20 SEC, Glasgow G3 8YW www.sec.co.uk When Mayor Goodway goes missing during the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race, Ryder, Chase, Marshall, Rocky, Rubble, Zuma, Skye and Everest come to the rescue! PAW Patrol Live! ‘Race To The Rescue’ brings an exciting original story to life through unique costumes, dynamic staging and original music compositions that will have the audience out of the seats and singing along from beginning to end.

2 SEPT – 30 DEC Muddy Adventures Saturday Club 11am-12.30pm & 1.30pm – 3pm Strathclyde Country Park, Motherwell 07710530763 www.muddyadventures.co.uk Do you like playing outdoors? Toast yummy marshmallows over a fire? Climb trees and meet new friends?

Learn about the environment? Come and have an adventure at our Saturday club in Strathclyde Country Park! This club is aimed at children aged 4-12.

SAT 2 SEP The Princess & The Pig 2pm / Family £38, Adult £13.50, Conc £10, Child £8 Mount Vernon Community Hall, Kenmuir Avenue, Mount Vernon, Glasgow G32 9LE 0141 7788929 www.mvch.co.uk There’s been a dreadful mix-up in the royal nursery. Priscilla the princess has switched places with Pigmella, the farmer’s new piglet! The kindly farmer and his wife believe it’s the work of a good witch. The ill-tempered King and Queen squarely blame a bad witch. Bring along your picnics, blankets, folding chairs & friends & family to enjoy this wonderful open-air production, filled with music, and puppetry!

Families Glasgow 13

SAT 2 SEP The Magic Circus by Magic Den 2pm / £5.95 / 3+yrs Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Roll up, roll up, Magic Den presents The Magic Circus, an exciting, fun, fast-paced and colourful magic show for all the family. Everyone from 3-93 is sure to love this interactive show, so get in early as you could be a star in Den’s Magic Circus.

2 – 3 SEP Wild Night 5pm – 10am / £10 Adult, £5 Child / 3yrs+ Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk September Wild Night…enjoy a great night camping in the forest with a Ranger. Bring a tent sleeping bag and bbq food. Den building and twilight bat walk included in the price. A great night under the stars. This event is aimed at 3 years and above as an introduction to camping. Sorry no pets allowed on the Wild Night.

2 – 10 SEPT Largs Viking Festival 11am – 4.30pm / £4 Adults, £2 Child, Students & Conc, Under 5s Free Vikingar, Greenock Road, Largs 01475689777 www.largsvikingfestival.org The Largs Viking Festival takes place every year and draws crowds from near and far to celebrate the Viking heritage in Largs. This year the re-enactment group Swords of Dalriada will be in the Viking Village with Viking traders from Germany, Sweden and Ireland. Come and see how the Vikings lived in our extended living history 13th Century Viking Village.

SUN 3 SEP Eid Family Fun Day 10am-6pm | FREE Eid Fun Day is a family fun day out at Queens Park Recreational Ground.

There will be children’s games, bouncy castles, market stalls, food stalls, children’s entertainment

SUN 3 SEP National Museum of Rural Life Country Fair 10am – 5pm / Adult £10, Child £6 (under 5’s free), Family £27 National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR 0300 1236789 www.nms.ac.uk Join us for a celebration of all things rural. Get up close to farmyard favourites, watch exciting pig races and experience a variety of country skills and traditional crafts, including milking, farrier demonstrations, sheepdog trials and stock judging.

14 Families Glasgow

SUN 3 SEP Iron Man & Merida Family Sunday Lunch 12pm – 3pm / £5 Browns Brasserie & Bar, 1 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY 0141 221 7828 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Join us in raising funds for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (formerly Yorkhill) at our Iron Man themed Family Sunday Lunch. Enjoy a visit from Iron Man with SuperHero agility training (interactive superhero themed games), SuperHero knowledge training and lots more!

WED 6 SEP Brilliant Bats 7pm / Free Castlemilk Park, Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ. 0141 634 2673 www.castlemilkpark.co.uk Discover the bats that live in and around the woods of Castlemilk Park. Fun for all the family. Please bring a torch if you have one. Meet: Outside Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ.

SAT 9 SEP Weave That Willow 11am-2pm / Free Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Moor Road, Eaglesham G76 0QQ 0141 6140962 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk With our very own professional willow weaver come along and learn how to weave willow into almost anything from baskets to decorations. This is a drop-in event so no booking is required.

SAT 9 SEP Cathkin Braes LNR Day 11am – 3pm / Free Cathkin Braes Country Park, Glasgow G45 0141 2760931 www.glasgow.gov.uk Join the Countryside Rangers and their friends in a free fun filled family wildfest day. Lots of activities, crafts, games and much more. Look for the marquee on the day or phone 0141 2760931 for more info

9 – 10 SEPT The Gruffalo Live 11am & 1.30pm / £12 all tickets (£9 groups 10+) Lanark Memorial Hall, St Leonard Street, Lanark ML11 7AB 01555 667999 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep, dark wood in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the classic picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Searching for hazelnuts, Mouse meets the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake. Songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups, in the much-loved show that’s toured Britain and the world!

Running time 55 minutes (no interval)

9 SEP & 14 OCT Get Your Hands Dirty, Kirkintilloch 10.30am – 12pm / Free Merkland Local Nature Reserve, G66 3SF www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Wear your wellies and help take care of Merkland Local Nature Reserve. Minimum age 10yrs, 10-15 year olds must be accompanied by an adult. Meet the Ranger in the Reserve car park off Merkland Drive, Kirkintilloch, G66 3SF.

SUN 10 SEP Bushcraft 10am – 12pm / Free Rosshall Park & Gardens, 197 Crookston Road, Glasgow G52 3NQ www.glasgow.gov.uk Walk on the wild side with the Countryside Rangers and learn how to build your own shelter. Try your hand at fire lighting, whittling and making tasty treats on the fire.

Phone 0141 2760931 to book your place!

SUN 10 SEP Kids Obstacle Course 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 Join our Rangers in a fitness fun day.

Prizes for 1st place in all age groups

10 SEP & 15 OCT Have a Go Longbow 2pm / £1 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Take a shot at medieval archery with the Green Hollow Bowmen in the Walled Garden. Watch the demonstration at 2pm or turn up and join in at any time. £1.

11 – 17 SEP Glasgow Doors Open Day Various locations www. glasgowdoorsopendaysfestival. co.uk/childrens-programme-2/ This year’s dedicated children’s programme features over 50 FREE events & activities for young ones of all ages, across the city! From arts & crafts and dress-up to rocketmaking and rowing taster sessions there’s something for everyone.

The print version of the Children’s Programme will be distributed to primary schools across Glasgow, or check the children’s programme on the website for details of all events.

FRI 15 SEP We’re Batty About Bats 7.15pm – 9pm / Free Dams to Darnley Country Park 0141 5774053 www.damstodarnley.org Meet at Patterton overflow car park, OPPOSITE side of Stewarton Road from Patterton Station, Newton Mearns G77 6NR.Come along and find out more about bats and why they need your help. Use bat detectors to 'hear'bats feeding and watch they fly above your head.

Booking required. Wear suitable clothing. Bring a torch

SAT 16 SEP Cancer Research UK’s Pretty Muddy Kids Glasgow 8.45am / £10 Bellahouston Park, Paisley Road West, Glasgow G41 www.glasgow.gov.uk They can take on the obstacles, crawl through the mud pit and have fun with friends, all the while helping raise valuable funds for BEATING CANCER. Don’t forget to bring your friends and family along to support you. They can visit the stalls as well as cheer you through the mud pit and over the finish line.

SAT 16 SEP Festival of the Sea 10am – 12pm / 10am-4pm Free The Briggait, 141 Bridgegate, Glasgow 0798567246 www.clydefishermentrust.com An AM and PM Festival of the Sea. From 10am to 4pm live music, seafood stalls, craft and art stalls and a photo exhibition. FREE for all ages

SAT 16 SEP RSPB Lochwinnoch Nature Explorers Group 10am – 12pm / £5 (RSPB Members £3) Adults free RSPB Nature Reserve Lochwinnoch PA12 4JR 01505842663 www.rspb.org.uk This month we will be looking at an aspect of surprising Nature. Come along and find out. Please wear clothing suitable for outdoors and please note that children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. This event is designed for ages 5 to 14 years. Booking essential.

SAT 16 SEP Falconry Day 1pm – 3pm/£1 charge to hold a bird.

Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Join our resident Falconer for fun, facts and flying display (weather permitting). A small charge of £1 to hold a bird or owl. This helps with the birds’ upkeep.

SAT 16 SEP Fabulous Fossils of Lennoxtown 1pm – 3.30pm / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk An event that has been 500 million years in the making! Who would have thought that Lennoxtown was once at the bottom of an ancient ocean?! Search for amazing ammonites and tremendous trilobites as well as many other delightful shell fossils on this Ranger led walk in the foothills of the Campsie Fells. Booking essential.

familiesonline.co.uk

16 - 17 SEP Blue Light Festival 10am / Free Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow G3 8RS 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk The Blue Light Festival is back at Riverside Museum with emergency vehicles old and new and a free kids zone, including face painting and fairground rides. This year’s event will bring together Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland, Water Rescue, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Heritage Trust, Royal National Lifeboat Institution and more! Also on show will be an impressive selection of vintage vehicles from the Museum’s own collection.

16 - 17 SEP Mugdock Doors Open Day 10am / Free Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Come and see inside the Castle tower and climb the stairs to the top and look out at the fantastic views over Mugdock Country Park and beyond.

16 - 17 SEP Doors Open Day 10am – 4pm / Free Shows Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Our doors will be open for a warm welcome from all at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre. See a free Puppet Show Sat 16 or Magic Show Sun 17 11am/ 1pm/ 3pm each day.

Visit our Film and Special Effect Creature Workshop. There will be Home-Baking in the cafe and tables for the children to Colour-In, Cut-Out and Assemble Puppets and Masks, £1.50. .

SUN 17 SEP Little Mermaid Family Sunday Lunch 12pm – 3pm / £5 Browns Brasserie & Bar, 1 George Square, Glasgow G2 1DY 0141 221 7828 www.browns-restaurants.co.uk Join us in raising funds for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity (formerly Yorkhill) at our Little Mermaid themed Family Sunday Lunch. Enjoy a visit from Ariel with story time, games, dancing, competitions and lots more! In addition, every child will receive Little Mermaid colouring sheets to win a special prize!! Available also on the day will be facepainting and lucky dip!

familiesonline.co.uk

SUN 17 SEP Duck Races 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Pick a lucky duck and race it down the burn! Do you know the famous Finlaystone Duck Call? Only ever heard at Finlaystone! Prizes for 1st place in all races.

SUN 17 SEP Use Your Senses 2pm – 3pm / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Venture out into the Country Park on this Ranger led trail to find some of our wee woodland creatures.

Suitable for 3yrs +, all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential.

MON 18 SEP Mini Beast Safari 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Join our Rangers in an exploration through Finlaystone Forest looking for elusive wee friends.

20 – 23 SEP Oliver the Musical 7.30pm & 2.30 pm Saturday Matinee / £15, conc,child, student £10 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Oliver the Musical has become a much-loved classic, from the opening bars of "Food Glorious Food", through to the heart rending "Where is Love" to "Consider Yourself" and "Oom Pah Pah", "You've Gotta Pick a Pocket or Two" and "As Long as He Needs Me", you are transported back to early Victorian London and enter the world of Oliver, the Artful Dodger, Fagin, Bill Sykes and Nancy.

22-25 SEP – September Weekend

FRI 22 SEP Mugdock Sensational Safari: Geological High Jinks 1pm – 4pm / £10 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Calling all active 8-12 year olds!

From exploding volcanoes to creeping glaciers, join the Ranger Service and learn about the geology of Mugdock on this 3 hour adventure both indoors and out.

Booking essential.

22 - 23 SEP Stick Man 1.30pm & 4.30pm, 10.30am on Saturday / £18.90-£33.90 + £2.85 transaction fee Kings Theatre, 296 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR www.atgtickets.com What starts off as a morning jog becomes quite the misadventure for Stick Man: a dog wants to play fetch with him, a swan builds a nest with him, and he even ends up on a fire!

How will Stick Man ever get back to the family tree? Most suitable for all aged 3+ but all ages welcome.

22 – 24 SEP Clydebuilt Festival FREE Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow G3 8RS 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk From the 22nd to the 24th of September, Glasgow will play host to the first Clydebuilt Festival, a celebration of boats and the folk that use them for work and play. There will be something for everyone at the festival: whether you are young or old; an old salt or a determined land lubber, come along to see, smell, taste and experience maritime heritage as you've never seen it before.

22 - 25 SEP Family Storytime: Chicken Licken 10.30am, 12.30pm & 3pm / £5, £15 Family Ticket (x4), babies & under 1’s free Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sheriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow G1 1TF 0141 5523988 www.scottishyouththeatre.org Interactive storytelling for children aged 3 - 7 where children don't just sit and listen to the story they are IN the story! Boing boing boing! That's the sound of acorns falling on Chicken Licken's head! It must mean the sky is falling down!

So Chicken Licken decides to go on a journey to warn the king. During his travel, he meets many new friends along the way... including you - our mini experts!

22 SEP – 1 OCT Disney on Ice Presents Passport to Adventure 6.30pm / Tickets from £27.50 Braehead Arena, Kings Inch Road, Glasgow G51 4BN www.braehead-arena.co.uk Journey to the most memorable Disney destinations with all of your favourite characters and get swept away by classic tales that have captivated the world. You and your family will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa, voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s underwater kingdom and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy. You’ll also be whisked away to the wintery wonderland of Disney’s Frozen, for an extraordinary adventure with sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favourite huggable snowman Olaf.

SAT 23 SEP Autumn Celebration 10am – 4pm / Family £16.50, Adult £6.50, Concession £5, NTS members free Greenbank House & Gardens, Flenders Road, Glasgow G76 8RB 0141 6165126 www.nts.org.uk Calling all creative kids - celebrate the start of autumn! Activities will include Natures Nippers Woodland Arts, autumnal arts and crafts and 'fishing' for pine cones. Cafe will be open.

23 - 24 SEP MCM Scotland Comic Con 9am – 6pm / £11 - £22 SEC, Finnieston Quay, Glasgow www.mcmexpostore.com Meet special guests from a brilliant line-up; explore a Comic Village packed with artists and writers; get gaming; watch on-stage panels and check out some amazing costumes in the Cosplay Masquerade! Bring the whole family and let your minisuperhero earn their cape in the Kids Zone, and discover a whole host of stands with the latest goodies, gadgets, collectibles, and toys.

SUN 24 SEP Family Films at Eastwood Park Theatre 10.30 am / £3 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Finding Dory - Dory is a wide-eyed, blue tang fish who suffers from memory loss every 10 seconds or so. The one thing she can remember is that she somehow became separated from her parents as a child. With help from her friends Nemo and Marlin, Dory embarks on an epic adventure to find them

SUN 24 SEP Children’s Cinema: The Lego Movie 11am / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Emmet (Chris Pratt), an ordinary LEGO figurine who always follows the rules, is mistakenly identified as the Special -- an extraordinary being and the key to saving the world.

Booking essential.

24 SEP & 17 OCT Den Building 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Our ever-popular event returns…An afternoon building your very own Den in the forest. Bushcraft skills too.

Families Glasgow 15

MON 25 SEP Get Map, Get Code, Go 11am – 2pm / Free Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Moor Road, Eaglesham G76 0QQ 0141 6140962 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk Time to get lost in the windfarm and get around our orienteering courses with nothing but a map, compass and a little brain power! Suitable for beginners right up to advanced level, you can complete them on foot or by bike. This is a drop-in event, so no booking is required.

MON 25 SEP Les Hoey MBE Dreammaker Foundation Family Raceday 12pm – 7pm / From £13, kids free Hamilton Park Racecourse, Bothwell Road, Hamilton ML3 0DW 01698 283806 www.hamilton-park.co.uk We're pleased to have partnered up with the Les Hoey Dreammaker Foundation Scotland to bring you a great family day out! It's our last raceday of the season so make you do not miss out. Activities for the kids include: Giant Candy Circus Slide, Inflatable Laser Tag, Bungee Trampolines, Face Painting and HD Golf Simulator.

MON 25 SEP The Fabulous Tattie Race, Lennoxtown 2pm – 3.30 pm / Donations Welcome Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Is your spud a speedy spud or a starchy dud? Find out by building a mini raft and racing your potato down the river rapids. Meet at the car park first right on Station Road, Lennoxtown.

28 – 30 SEP Awful Auntie 10.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 7pm / From £23.50 Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA 0141 3329000 www.atgtickets.com When Stella sets off to visit London with her parents, Lord and Lady Saxby, she has no idea her life is in danger! Waking up three months later, only her Aunt Alberta can tell Stella what has happened. But not everything Aunt Alberta tells her turns out to be true and Stella quickly discovers she’s in for the fight of her life against her very own awful Auntie!

TUES 29 SEP SWA Family Wrestling Paisley 6.30pm / £12 Lagoon Leisure Centre, 11 Christie Street, Paisley PA1 1NB 0300 300 0250 www.tickets-scotland.com WWE and TNA Superstars in including WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne, come to Paisley, Motherwell, Clydebank. Meet and Greet tickets are available. Make sure you get tickets for an action-packed fun for all the family wrestling show!

16 Families Glasgow

29 – 30 SEP Bat Night 7.30pm to late Fri, 10am – 12pm Sat / Adult £6, child £3 (RSPB Members £3/£2) RSPB Nature Reserve Lochwinnoch PA12 4JR 01505842663 www.rspb.org.uk In the evening (Friday) we'll have an interesting presentation on bats, followed by a walk out with bat experts and bat detectors. Please bring a torch with you. Next morning we'll check the moth trap and see what the bats around the reserve like to eat! Please book as places are limited.

SAT 30 SEP Oscar & the Quest for the Underground Princess 4pm / £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk From five o’clock count seven hours, among the plants, but not the flowers, you’ll meet a friend, but not a mouse, the earth his bed, a hill his house...Oscar is irresistibly drawn into an underground myth and a prince in the mole kingdom, needs Oscar’s help to find Princess Emily.

SAT 30 SEP SWA Family Wrestling Motherwell 6.30pm / £12 Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB 01698 403120 www.tickets-scotland.com WWE and TNA Superstars in including WWE UK Champion Pete Dunne, come to Paisley, Motherwell, Clydebank. Meet and Greet tickets are available.

30 SEP & 28 OCT The McDougalls Singalong 11am / £5 Theatre Royal, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 3QA 0141 3329000 www.atgtickets.com Join The McDougalls for special musical shows for all the family.

Clap your hands, stamp your feet and boogie on down! Come dressed up! Suitable for ages 2 – 8 years

SUN 1 OCT Family Films at Eastwood Park Theatre 10.30am / £3 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Sunday 1 October: Zootropolis The city of Zootopia has long been one where animals of all shapes and sizes have lived in harmony together. But when rabbit Judy Hopps joins the police force, she quickly realises that maintaining law and order on these streets is not as easy as it seems. Suitable for age 6+

FRI 6 OCT Once Upon a Time - Superworm 10.45am | pre 5s | £8 (grown ups free) Theatre Royal Glasgow, 282 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 3QA, 08448717627 www.atgtickets.com The Theatre Royal Glasgow runs regular delightful interactive workshops, inspired by favourite authors and much loved stories, for pre-5s

FRI 6 OCT All (Solar) Systems Go! Mugdock 7pm – 8.30pm / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk In our first stargazing session of the winter, come along and learn some fascinating facts about our Solar System and then search the October skies for winter constellations and planets. Family event. Indoor presentation if weather is bad.

Booking essential.

SAT 7 OCT Rocket Post 3pm & 7pm / Family £21, Adult £8, Child £4 Mount Vernon Community Hall, Kenmuir Avenue, Mount Vernon, Glasgow G32 9LE 0141 7788929 www.mvch.co.uk The future is about communication.

The future is… ROCKETS! Specifically, a Rocket packed full of letters to send from Scarp to Harris. The crowd gasp as eccentric German scientist Gerhard Zucker lights the fuse and the rocket lifts up into the sky and then… explodes.

He has three days to turn his luck around. Will he make his rockets fly? Will he bring people together?

A fantastically fun new show for everyone aged 6+, Rocket Post is a raucous mix of songs and storytelling. Full of humour, heart and hope for the future.

SAT 7 OCT The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark – Pavla Puppets 2pm / £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk A charming and witty story as Plop discovers how interesting the dark can be with the help of his friends and comes to realise he is a true night bird just like his mum Mrs Barn Owl.

SAT 7 OCT SWA Family Wrestling Clydebank 6.30pm / £12 Clydebank Town Hall, Dumbarton Road, Clydebank G81 1UE 0141 952 1243 www.tickets-scotland.com Tickets on sale now at Ticket Scotland clink the links to secure your tickets for the biggest star filled super shows Scotland has ever seen!

SUN 8 OCT MoSSFest 2017 – Science Fun for Everyone 11am – 4pm / Free Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk The Middle of Scotland Science Festival (MoSSFest) is returning to Mugdock Country Park this year bringing a host of exciting science activities suitable for all ages to this free family event. There will be activities at the visitor centre and around the Park. Follow us @MoSSfest and facebook.com/ mossfestscotland for the latest details. Admission free. Suitable for all ages

SUN 8 OCT Funbox Presents Underwater Adventure 1pm & 3.30pm / Tickets £13, Family of four £48, Babes in arms £2, Groups 10+ £11 Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre, Windmillhill Street, Motherwell ML1 1AB 01698 403120 www.tickets-scotland.com Anchors away with Anya, Gary and Kevin for their all new show for 2017 – UNDERWATER ADVENTURE where they voyage beneath the waves to the bottom of the ocean. There’s somefin fishy going on in their latest singalong tail – the FUNBOX is locked and the gang will have to cause a splash because their magical keys are all tucked up in the sea bed.

SUN 8 OCT Identify Trees 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk What come from an oak? What comes from a beech tree? What do the leaves look like? A Ranger led walk through the forest to identify all the wonderful trees on the estate.

10 – 14 OCT The Addams Family 2.30pm, 5pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm / £20.90-£51.40 Kings Theatre, 296 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JR www.atgtickets.com Look who's moved into the neighbourhood! Everyone's favourite kooky family are now on stage in the UK premiere of this spectacular musical comedy.

Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, is all grown up and has a shocking secret that only Gomez knows. She's fallen in love with a sweet young man from a respectable family.

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13-22 OCT October Holidays (dates vary slightly)

FRI 13 OCT STV Appeal 12 Hour ‘Bounceathon’ 9am-9pm / Suggested Donation £8 per individual, £60 per group 10 Flip Out, 89a Southcroft Road, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1UG 0141 3003510 www.stv.tv/appeal STV2 Presenters Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell will jump, bounce and flip from 9am to 9pm at Flip Out to raise money for STV Children's Appeal. Bouncers and flippers of all ages are invited to join us for one-hour slots to help raise funds for children affected by poverty in Scotland. To be part of the fun and bounce for Scotland's children, contact angela.wilson@stv.tv to book your slot.

FRI 13 OCT Build a Harry Potter Birch Broom at Lenzie Moss 1pm - 3pm / Donations Welcome Lenzie Moss, Lenzie Railway Station Car Park www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Birch trees are being removed from Lenzie Moss to help the bog areas become boggy again. So let’s put the birch to good use and make a broom to fly to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Join in anytime, the Ranger Service and Friends of Lenzie Moss will be there to assist you. Follow the signs from the moss end of Lenzie Railway Station car park.

FRI 13 OCT Rocket Post 4.30pm / Ticket £7, Family £24 Carmichael Hall, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk

FRI 13 OCT We’re Batty About Bats Again!

6.30pm-8.30pm / Free Dams to Darnley Country Park 0141 5774053 www.damstodarnley.org Meet at Patterton overflow car park, OPPOSITE side of Stewarton Road from Patterton Station, Newton Mearns G77 6NR. Come along and find out more about bats and why they need your help. Use bat detectors to 'hear'bats feeding and watch they fly above your head.

Booking required. Wear suitable clothing. Bring a torch.

14 OCT The Beanstalk 2pm / £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.couk A traditional story with a twist, see how Jack solves a Giant problem and demonstrates that sometimes it is a good idea to have your head in the clouds…..really! A fast-paced and funny glove puppet show delighting both children and adults alike.

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14 – 21 OCT Magipup Festival October Holidays Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.couk MAGIPUP FESTIVALL ALL WEEK LONG…. Starts here with shows, workshops, puppets and magic to keep everyone entertained and creative, rain or shine through the children’s Octobers school holidays.

SUN 15 OCT Conker Championships 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Pick your lucky Conker and partake of the Finlyastone Country Championships. Prizes in all groups.

SUN 15 OCT Hairy Maclary and Friends Final Show 1.30pm & 3.30pm / Standard £10, Family of Four £35 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Anyone with young children will recognise these immortal words instantly as the opening lines of the book 'Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy' by Lynley Dodd.

With music, singing and several of your favourite Hairy Maclary stories, this show is a must for the whole family.

SUN 15 OCT Big Music for Minis: Funbox 2pm / £6 The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3NY 0141 3533800 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com FUNBOX presents HIGHLAND FLING as part of Glasgow Life’s Big Music For Minis event. A weekend packed with events for children and those who are young at heart. Hoots mon and help ma boab! Take the high road (or the low road) and get roamin in the gloamin for Funbox’s brand new show.

SUN 15 OCT Pinocchio by Tip Top Puppets Clive Chandler 2pm / £5.95 Scottish Mask & Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF 0141 3396185 www.maskandpuppet.couk Following the grain (pardon the pun) of the classic story, as a little boy is carved out of a block of wood, so join Pinocchio on his adventures and of course a happy ending!

SUN 16 OCT Make Your Own Mondays 11am-1pm or 2pm-4pm / £5 (RSPB Members £3) Adults go Free RSPB Nature Reserve Lochwinnoch PA12 4JR 01505842663 www.rspb.org.uk Happy Hedgehog Homes Hedgehogs need a nice safe place to spend the winter- let's build them some cosy hogitats in a quiet corner of the Reserve. We'll also have a go at building dens big enough for us to fit inside- but will they be warm and dry enough for the winter?

SUN 16 OCT Don’t Dribble on The Dragon 1.30pm / Standard £11, Child £9, Family £35 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Tom is a toddler with a cool older brother, a secret dragon... and a dribbling problem that just won't stop! This spectacular musical adventure about growing up and the importance of family is the perfect feel good show for big hearted adults and loving little ones alike.

Suitable for age 2+

SUN 16 OCT Shark In The Park 2.30pm / £10, £9 Concession, £34 Family (x4) Rutherglen Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 2JJ 01416135700 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk Timothy Pope is looking through his telescope –but wait, is that a Shark, in the Park!? From the creative team behind The Hairy Maclary show see all 3 of Nick Sharratt’s Shark in the Park books live on Stage!

Duration: 60 minutes

MON 17 OCT What Do Owls Have for Dinner?

2pm – 3.30pm / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Owls cannot digest the bones and fur of the small mammals they feed on: in the owl's stomach the bones and fur are completely cleaned then formed into a pellet and popped out the mouth of the owl! Come along and have a go at dissecting the pellets - it is truly fascinating and very popular with all ages. Booking essential.

TUES 18 OCT Little Rotters at Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve 10am – 12.30pm / £4 Adult, £2 Child, RSPB Members Free Baron’s Haugh Nature Reserve, Motherwell 07872814911 www.rspb.org.uk It is autumn again and the woods are full of dead leaves and branches. But eventually it all disappears. Where does it go? We will be tracking down the weird and wonderful living things that keep the woods tidy.

Children under 16 are welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult.

Booking essential

TUES 18 OCT Arts & Crafts Afternoon 1pm – 3pm / Free Dams to Darnley Country Park 0141 5774053 www.damstodarnley.org Meet at Patterton overflow car park, OPPOSITE side of Stewarton Road from Patterton Station, Newton Mearns G77 6NR. Join the countryside rangers for some school holiday fun, games and crafts.

Booking required. Wear suitable clothing

18 & 20 OCT Pond Monsters of South Lodge 2pm – 3.30pm / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Bold backswimmers, wicked water boatmen and crafty caddisfly nymphs are just a few of the amazing creatures you might find. Join the Ranger Service to try and catch these fascinating underwater beasties. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear wellies and meet at South Lodge car park or follow the signs to find the Ranger.

TUES 18 OCT All About Owls 2pm-4pm / Free Castlemilk Park, Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ 0141 6342673 www.castlemilkpark.co.uk Owl Magic will be back with a different selection of owls. You will get a chance to see these birds close up and learn more about these beautiful creatures.

MON 17 OCT The Three Muskateers 2.30pm / Standard £9, Family of Four £22 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk The seventeenth century has never been so silly! Chaos, mayhem and stupidity reign supreme as children's comedy trio the Three Half Pints swish their swords, buff their boots and flourish their feathers in their most ridiculous adventure yet!

Recommended Age: 5+ Families Glasgow 17

TUES 18 OCT The McDougalls Singalong Show 2.30pm / £8, Family x 4 £30 Rutherglen Town Hall, 139 Main Street, Rutherglen, Glasgow £73 2JJ 01416135700 www.sllcboxoffice.co.uk The McDougalls Singalong Show has lively songs, fun actions and bucket loads of audience participation, guaranteed to put a smile on the face of weans of all ages (the grown up ones too!).

WED 19 OCT Autumn Woodland Art 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk It’s a great time of the year for a forage through the forest. Collect all-natural materials and make a real picture to paint and decorate.

20 OCT – 21 OCT White 10.30am – 1.30pm / £5 / 2-4yrs Cumbernauld Theatre, Kildrum, Cumbernauld G67 2BN 01236 732887 www.cumbernauldtheatre.co.uk Welcome to the beautifully strange world of White. Full of birdsong and birdhouses, it gleams and dazzles and shines in the night. Two friends look after the birds and make sure the eggs stay safe. But high up in the trees, all is not white. Colour appears. First red... then yellow... then blue...White is a playful, highly visual show and is a perfect firsttime theatre experience.

HALLOWEEN LISTINGS SUN 22 OCT Spook Scarecrows 1pm – 3pm Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Bring some old clothes and make some shhhhpooky scarecrows. Best ones will be kept for Halloween.

SUN 22 OCT Awesome Autumn Games 1.30pm – 3pm / Free Springburn Park, Balgrayhill Road, Springburn, Glasgow G21 www.glasgow.gov.uk Celebrate autumn by playing a variety of outdoor games with the Countryside Rangers. "Catch that leaf", "Colour charts", "Meet a tree", just to name a few of the best games. Contact 0141 2760931 for more details!

SUN 22 OCT Wild Woodland Adventure – No Parents Required!

2pm – 4pm / £7 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Join the Forest School Ranger for a wild woodland adventure.

Woodland activities for 8-12 year olds. Booking essential.

22 – 25 OCT

Winners issue 64: Ecoffee Cup

Helen Wallace, Hannah Yarr, Alyson Marshall, Kathryn Johnson, Sarah Carr, Kirsty Frume

Resnate

Ali Tasney, Aileen Haak, Findlay Erica, Lorna Hoey, Lisa Sullivan

Tokidoki

Angela O’Malley, Victoria McQuillan, Val Rees, Anna Henderson

Books

Grace Marshall, Vicky McLafferty, Mrs A Murphy, Alice Roy, Liz Lai

Paw Patrol

Dhruv Goyal, Lynsey Eyley, Jennifer Burton

18 Families Glasgow

Castlemilk Park Pumpkin Festival 11am / Free Castlemilk Park, Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ 0141 6342673 www.castlemilkpark.co.uk Back by popular demand, our pumpkin festival this year will be bigger and better! Includes pumpkin carving, making pumpkin soup, storytelling, pumpkin illumination and spooky walk. Check Castlemilk Park event programme 2017-18 for details. All events start from outside Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ Bookings taken from Monday 2nd October for bookable Pumpkin Festival events. To book your place please telephone 0141 634 2673 or email housing@cassiltoun.org.uk

FRI 27 OCT Friday Fright Night 6.30pm – 8.30pm / Free Whitelee Windfarm Visitor Centre, Moor Road, Eaglesham G76 0QQ 0141 6140962 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk Prepare to be scared at Whitelee this Halloween. Take part in our gruesome games and dare to join us for a walk on the dark side - who knows what might be lurking in the shadows? This is a drop-in event, so booking is not required.

27 – 28 OCT Paisley Halloween Festival Friday 6pm – 9pm, Saturday 12pm – 9pm / Free Paisley Town Centre www.paisley2021.co.uk Paisley Halloween Spooktacular is back with a free two-day extravaganza in Paisley Town Centre on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October featuring some ghoulishlygood free fun for all the family to enjoy!

SAT 28 OCT Finlaystone Halloween Party 6pm – 10pm / Adult £10, Child £7 Finlaystone Country Park, Langbank, Renfrewshire PA14 6TJ 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Our scariest Halloween yet. Shudder and shake at the Horrible Histories and Fearsome Follies of Frightful Finlaystone Estate. Walks from 6pm-7.30pm for junior japes. 8pm onwards for more daring. Come if you DAAAAAAAAARE. Walks not suitable for pushchairs

SAT 28 OCT Spooky Saturday 6.30pm – 8.30pm / Free Dams to Darnley Country Park 0141 5774053 www.damstodarnley.org Meet at the World Buffet restaurant, Corselet Road, off Nitshill Road, Darnley G53 7RN. Join the countryside rangers on our ghostly walk followed by some Halloween games and fun.

28 OCT- 29 OCT Junior Halloween Fun 10am-11.15am, 12.30pm1.45pm,2.30pm-3.45pm / £5 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Following on from the success of last year’s event, Fizzgig are back with their mix of outdoor and indoor Halloween fun! Join us for a bit of storytelling, a spooky ‘dook’ for apples, throw some shapes to scary monster music, and for the very brave, a hunt in the woods for old Fossilnose the Witch! Suitable for Ages 3-7 years. £5 for everyone (limited places) Booking essential.

28 – 29 OCT The Holm of Halloween 11am / £4, Family of Four £12, Under 12 months free Holmwood House, 61-63 Netherlee Road, Glasgow G44 3YU 0141 5710184 www.nts.org.uk The Holm of Halloween: Enter if you dare! Ghosts, ghouls & graves and spooky storytelling. Each room will be dressed to thrill with a few surprises along the way. The spooky garden trail will feature the traditional activities like apple douking - along with some new features to keep our regular visitors in their toes! Craft activities and a quiet space will be available for the tiny tots. As usual our tearoom will be open serving spooky treats & hot coffee & cake.

SUN 29 OCT Children’s Cinema: Hotel Transylvania 2 11am / £3 Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Milngavie G62 8EL 0141 956 6586 www.mugdock-country-park.org.uk Now that Dracula has opened the Hotel Transylvania's doors to humans, things are changing for the better; however, Drac is secretly worried that his half-human grandson, Dennis, isn't showing his vampire side. Booking essential.

SUN 29 OCT Feed The Birds Day 1pm – 3pm / Free Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow G43 0141 6329299 www.glasgow.gov.uk Feed the Birds Day marks the clocks going back and the frosty nights - it's the time when birds & other wildlife need a little extra help. Free all materials supplied. Drop in

TUES 31 OCT Family Films at Eastwood Park Theatre 10.30am / £3 Eastwood Park Theatre, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow G46 6UG 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk Tuesday 31 October: Monsters Inc Join the lovable, confident, tough, furry, blue giant monster named Sulley and his wisecracking best friend, short, green cyclops monster Mike as they discover what happens when the real world interacts with theirs.

TUES 31 OCT Halloween Party 5pm – 7pm / Free National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, Philipshill Road, East Kilbride G76 9HR 0300 1236789 www.nms.ac.uk Join in the spooky fun on this, the scariest night of the year! Take part in apple dooking, scary trails and lots of spirited activities. Free, no need to book. Children under 12 to be accompanied by an adult.

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Families Glasgow 19

20 Families Glasgow

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