Families Glasgow May - June 2015

Glasgow Issue 51 May/June 2015

Get set for summer!

S OT R T NS FO TE E TO

AWARD-WINNING DANCE AND CHEERLEADING PARTIES FOR HEALTHY, HAPPY KIDS stepitupdance.co.uk/parties /StepItUpDance

07428 110 135

@StepItUpDanceUK

Places available from Birth-5 years

www.somersetnursery.com

6 Fitzroy Place Glasgow G3 7RH

Glasgow’s really useful magazine for families with children aged 0-12 OCTOBERADFORFAMILIES55mm70mm.indd 1

26/11/2014 11:38

News & Views

What a summer of children’s shows!

King’s & Theatre Royal Children’s Summer Shows From deep-sea divers to mini-mobsters, this summer the King’s and Theatre Royal Glasgow present action-packed entertainment for all the family.

Dive into action with Octonauts...

And the Deep Sea Volcano Adventure at the King’s Theatre on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 May. In their first ever live stage show Captain Barnacles and the gang embark on an exciting new underwater mission with music and surprises around every corner. www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Visit Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom

At the King’s on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 July. From the makers of Peppa Pig comes the stage adaptation of the BAFTA award-winning television animation. Holly is a young fairy princess learning how to fly and master her magic. Her best friend Ben the Elf doesn’t do magic but can run very fast and flies on the back of Gatson the Ladybird. Join Ben and Holly on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

Have your Splurge Gun Ready

At the Theatre Royal for Bugsy Malone on Friday 31 July and Saturday 1 August. Set in 1929 in New York’s criminal underworld, the much loved smash hit musical is brought to life with a young cast of bright, local talent. Mob boss Fat Sam is under threat from Dapper Dan’s new gang and his only hope is Bugsy Malone, a washed up but well meaning boxer who is thrust into the gangster limelight. With twists and turns, showgirls and splurge guns, the plot unfolds leading to a spectacular showdown at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam! www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

In this issue...

2-5

News and Views

6-7

Get Set for Summer: Early Bird Summer Camps

8-9

Get Set for Summer: Cumbria Weekend

10

Feature: What’s it like being a stay-at-home dad?

11

Feature: No more children’s meals?

12-15 What’s on for families in May and June?

Get in touch Editor: Anna Wignall editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk, 07796 946661 Keep up to date at www.familiesglasgow.co.uk or find us on facebook Next issue: July/August 2015. Special features: Spring into Summer, Get Active, Family Breaks and more.

Copy deadline: 29 May - Special ad rates and offers available, call or email to find out more.

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

Designed by kris@grafikfabrik.co.uk.

Printed By Warners (Midlands) plc.

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

Front page photo: Abi Campbell photography Copyright: Families Glasgow Magazine March 2015.

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

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY KELVINBRIDGE MILNGAVIE NEWLANDS

Our Nursery ‘‘An exciting place to learn’’

And for some real life underwater action...!

A trio of South American seahorses has gone on display at Deep Sea World, Scotland’s national aquarium. The Brazilian, or slender seahorses, are the newest arrivals at the North Queensferry aquarium, and it is hoped they will eventually become part of a captive breeding programme there. As well as being one of the most colourful – males are often bright orange and females yellow – the Brazilian is also one of the largest seahorse species with full grown adults reaching lengths of up to 20 cms. The slender seahorse generally mates for life and the male will impress the female with its dramatic colour changes, energetic pouch displays, and graceful dancing... www.deepseaworld.com, 01383 411880 North Queensferry, Fife KY11 1JR.

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May/June 2015

Families Glasgow

Excellent care and imaginative learning for children from age 3.

Term-time and part-time places available from August.

Partnership funding available for children age 3 - 5.

Call us on 0141 342 5494 for more information.

www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity: Charity number SCO 15638

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News & Views

Did you know?

If you are hiring a car this summer (after June 8th) you will need a special code (lasting just 72 hours) from the DVLA. The paper counterpart of your driving licence will no longer be a legally valid document.

Log onto the DVLA website (with your driving licence number and National Insurance number ready) and use the service called “Share Driving Licence” to generate your unique code which you will require to hire a car.

Glasgow Queen’s Park 29 Aug - 12 Sep

Hurry !

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Book now and save £5 with this coupon!*

NightGardenLive.com No booking fee online or call 0333 300 0019 (bkg fee)

Use your Kidz Card this Summer for free and discounted family activities Don't forget to take advantage of Glasgow Life's Kidz Card this summer and enjoy some discounted holiday programme activities. Just as the schools close for the holidays, Glasgow Life opens their doors to let the kids in! From community centres to libraries and museums, there are all sorts of fun activities taking place. So whether your child is into arts and crafts, reading and music or sports and games or all of the above then let Glasgow Life entertain the kids!.

Call 0141 276 0727 on how to apply for a Kidz Card and find out more about Glasgow Life's holiday programmes at www.youngglasgow.org.uk

Share-A-Story

USE CODE

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off orders over £60 or 5% off orders under £60 NightGardenLive.com • call 0333 300 0019 (bkg fee) *Coupon worth £5 off orders over £60, or 5% off orders under £60 and expires 30 Jun 2015. Discount tickets are subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply, see www.NightGardenLive.com. © 2015 DHX Worldwide Limited. In the Night Garden and all related characters, titles and logos are trademarks of DHX Worldwide Limited. All rights reserved.

New House Rule?

FamAd50_Glasgow_87x175.indd 1

This May welcomes the annual National Share-A-Story Month, a rousing celebration of the power of storytelling and story sharing. Run by the Federation of Children’s Book Groups, it is a wonderful opportunity to bring children and stories together.

There are a whole host of events running across the country, from storytelling workshops to craft activities and puppet shows, and this year the theme for National Share-A-Story Month is Dragons! Find out about the culture of Chinese, Welsh and Viking dragons in stories and poems, explore myths and legends about dragons, and even discover what a dragon might like for tea.

Take a look at the website for loads of ideas, activity packs, posters and Dragon competition prizes. www.fcbg.org.uk/national-share-a-story-month Contact info@fcbg.org.uk or nssm@fcbg.org.uk, 0300 102 1559

Book reading - 16th May Come and meet former footballer Tony Fitzpatrick and his children's book "The Promise - Together again", starts at 15:15, free event, aimed at children aged 5+ but all welcome.

The Language Hub, 52, Keith Court, Glasgow G11 6QW.

02/04/2015 19:39

by Anna, Editor How many times a day do you hear “Muuuuuuum!!!!”? 250?

300? and at what volume? 200db? and from how many rooms away? I finally snapped “OK that’s it! I’m not replying to anyone who’s not in the same room as me when they speak!

Understand?” “Yes mum!” “Yes mum!”

An hour later: “Kids! SUPPERS READY!! Hurry up it’s getting cold!”

Obviously the new house rule doesn’t apply to mum.

?

Did you know?

...that its been illegal for a year now, not to have your dog microchipped? £500 fine.

Having your pet microchipped is one of the best ways to increase your pet’s chances of getting home if it is lost or stolen. Unlike dog tags and collars, which can fall off or be removed, microchipping is a more permanent form of identifying your dog. www.chipmydog.org.uk/update-your-dogs-chip Families Glasgow

May/June 2015

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News & Views

Walk to School Week

Walk To School Week is all about the health benefits of walking.

”

18-22 May This year’s Walk To School Week takes place 18-22 May, bringing together nearly one million schoolchildren, teachers and parents, and this year’s event promises to be the biggest and best yet! Walk To School Week is part of National Walking Month, which takes place throughout May. It also includes Walk to Work Week, so us parents don’t get out of it either!

During the week, Walk to School mascot Strider encourages pupils to take his 5-Day Walking Challenge – supported by their fantastic classroom-focused pack. And it’s not just the health benefits.

Walking to school can also save you money – as much as £400 a year!

Keep in touch with everything that is going on make sure you sign up online at www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-withus/walk-to-school/walk-to-school-week.

Gaelic at The Stylish Language Hub! Shoppers For ages 3-5

The Language Hub has added a Gaelic class for 3-5 year olds. Each block runs for 8 weeks and you can join at any time.

Also Bòrd na Gàidhlig have part-funded weekly interactive Gaelic storybook readings. Both sessions run on Saturday afternoons at the children’s bookshop and language school at 52 Keith Court, Glasgow G11 6QW. More information can be found at www.thelanguagehub.co.uk or Twitter and Facebook. Call 0141 258 2700 for more information.

Open 7.30am - 6.00pm Mon to Fri

Inc. Bank Holidays (except Christmas & New Year)

Forest Kindergarten Programme Term time places also available For teachers, students & others working in an educational setting.

Places available for 0 – 5 years Easy parking/drop off ‘Provides a caring & nurturing environment’

Wanted!

...and volunteers ...and quality donations Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s new boutique store at 52-54 Busby Road in Clarkston opened last month, a brand new concept in charity retailing. Retail Regional Manager Carole Edmonds explains: “Our new look boutique store offers designer fashion at affordable prices including Hobbs, Coast, Karen Millen to name but a few. When you enter the shop you will walk into the Garden of Eden! You will find a beautiful garden themed shop filled with exquisite flowers and decor to enhance a wonderful selection of top quality ladies clothes and accessories.”

All items in the shop have been donated to CHSS and all the profits help fund vital services for local people living with chest, heart and stroke illness – all money raised in Scotland stays in Scotland so go along for a browse and find out how you could help support CHSS in its work to improve the quality of life for people in Scotland.

(Care inspection report December 2013)

Telephone 0141 631 5235 nursery@cassiltoun.org.uk www.cassiltounstablesnursery.co.uk

Castlemilk Stables, 59 Machrie Road, Castlemilk, G45 0AZ Company Registration No SC423689

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Carole also added: “We urgently need volunteers to work in our new store and there are lots of interesting roles on offer, from styling, merchandising and display, sorting and pricing donated stock, to helping with admin and of course serving customers. We’re also looking for volunteer drivers to collect donated goods. Call 0141 638 3212 or call into the shop for more details.”

Full training is provided and all expenses reimbursed. Perhaps if you are having a clear out before the summer holidays you might have some good quality items that you could donate to the shop?

n u F y l i m at

Music and Dance for Boys and Girls aged 6 months - 5 years

kend Super Hero Wee 1-4 May kend Challenge Wee y 22-25 Ma Turtle Week 25 May Fathers Day 21 June

www.ballet4babies.co.uk

Miss Claire info@ballet4babies.co.uk

Find us at North Queensferry, Fife KY11 1JR. t. 01383 411880

0775 911 9965

Drop In And Sea Us - Open Daily From 10am

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May/June 2015

Find us on

By the Forth Rail Bridge, just 20 minutes from Edinburgh

Families Glasgow

www.deepseaworld.com

News & Views

Beep Beep Day!

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Brake urges early years educators to register to take part in a fun Beep Beep! Day and to campaign for drivers to help save little lives Early years educators are being encouraged to take part in a Beep Beep! Day by Brake, the road safety charity. The day, supported by Churchill Insurance, helps to teach children road safety basics and remind parents and drivers of their responsibility to help protect children when driving.

Childminders or nurseries can register to receive a free email resource pack with downloadable resources to run a great event, or buy one of Brake’s bumper resource packs including balloons, posters, stickers and certificates, a large road map and activity cards for £12.60 including postage. 26,000 tots across the UK were registered to take part in the first national Beep Beep! Day in March 2015. The next dates are 8 July and 25 November, during Road Safety Week. Early years educators can choose to run their event on one of these national days or at any other time of the year.

Go to www.brake.org.uk/beepbeepday, call 01484 550061 or email beepbeep@brake.org.uk.

Enchanted Forest Early Learning Erskine, Greenock, Inverkip, Thornliebank & now Robroyston!

Due to continued success Enchanted Forest Nurseries have opened a brand new nursery in Robroyston. With Robroyston expanding rapidly and seeing huge economic and social developments, Enchanted Forest Nurseries recognised the need for a high-quality, easily accessible and affordable early learning and childcare centre to serve families in local and surrounding areas as well as families travelling along the nearby M80 to get to work.

Since starting the company in 2006 with just one nursery in the heart of Erskine, founder Mariessa Devlin has expanded her award winning nursery chain throughout Scotland with 4 nurseries in Erskine, Greenock, Inverkip and Thornliebank in Glasgow’s Southside. The ethos of Enchanted Forest Early Learning and Childcare centres focuses on creating a safe, warm and friendly environment for children to become leaders of their own learning and for parents to be fully involved in their child’s development. Offering fully flexible session bookings, funded places and opening hours from 7am to 7pm, Enchanted Forest extend their promise of ‘Where Little People Feel Precious’ to parents in helping you to find the best childcare solution for your family. www.enchantedforestnursery.co.uk info@enchantedforestnursery.co.uk Twitter: @EFnurseries @EFGreenock @EFInverkip @EFErskine @EFThornliebank @EFRobroyston Please mention Families Glasgow Magazine if you enquire.

Families Glasgow

May/June 2015

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Summer Camps

Check out www.campindy.com.uk Multi activity day camp for ages 6-14. Based at Kelvinside Academy. Sports, art, drama, dance, football & tennis!

Please mention Families Glasgow Magazine if you book!

They also run a residential camp: www.internationalsummercampuk.com

Scottish Youth Theatre Glasgow Sport

Summer Holiday Activity Programme 29th June -7th August 2015 The Summer Holiday Programme from Glasgow Sport is packed with activities to make sure the summer holidays are active and full of fun! With venues across the city there will be something near you.

For more information and to view the brochure visit: www.glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/HolidayActivityProgramme

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

T

he Royal Conservatoire of Scotland has a programme of more than 70 inspiring summer schools for children, young people and adult learners in 2015. Summer schools are available in the performing and production arts; dance, drama, music, production, screen and each provides a chance to learn new skills, meet new people or explore a potential career. All you need to do is make your move…

RCS summer schools are about letting people express themselves in whatever field of performance or production that

Summer Festival 2015 Performance Courses - 3-8 August Junior Course 8-11 years. Glasgow, www.scottishyouththeatre.org 0141 552 3988

Scottish Ballet Summer School 2015 July 13–17 10.30am –12.30pm Age 6–8 year olds (No previous ballet experience required)

July 13–17 1.30–3.30pm Age 9-11 year olds (Some previous ballet experience required) Book online or call 0141 331 2931 for more information.

interests them; offering a world of opportunity and it’s right on your doorstep.

The choice is diverse. For example, RCS is offering Front Page for 12 – 14 year olds. This provides young people with the chance to explore and report creatively on the latest news stories. This immersive summer school runs from 6 – 10 July.

However, if a course for the musically inclined is more appealing, RCS offers the creative and interactive learning Early Years Music summer school for 1 – 2 year olds and 3 – 4 year olds.

These glorious summer schools takes place on the 1 – 3 July.

Or perhaps you know of a young person who wants to be the next international film maker? Even Steven Spielberg had to start somewhere and the Introduction to Film-making school, running 20 – 24 July for 11 – 14 years old, might just be ideal.

Check out the full programme & apply at rcs.ac.uk/summer

RCSshortcourses RCSshortcourses

#RCSrules

Your summer. Your time. Your rules SC_Rules Magazine Ad.indd 2015 6 2650May/June

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Families Glasgow

1

Rule No.

Make your move SUMMER SCHOOLS

Apply now at rcs.ac.uk/summer 24/04/2015 11:34

Summer Camps

ARTScool!

30 June - 3 July ARTScool! is a 3 day creative summer school for children age 5-8 at the House for an Art Lover! 10am - 3pm / £85 House For An Art Lover, Bellahouston Park, 10 Dumbreck Road, Glasgow, G41 5BW 0141 353 4770 www.houseforanartlover.co.uk

Rugby Tots Summer Holiday Term Back at Victoria Park, Glasgow running every Saturday morning from 4th July – 8th August. 9.00am Junior, 9.35am Senior and 10.35am Advanced. You can book either 4 or 6 weeks.

Contact Sandra on 0845 313 3252 or Sandra@rugbytots.co.uk.

To book a place visit www.rugbytots.co.uk

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland Drama/Dance/Music

Drama Courses 29 - 3 July We Could be Heroes 5-7 year olds £160 29 - 3 July Spy Academy 8-11 year olds £235 Dance Courses 6 - 8 July Summer Ballet 4 - 6 year olds £55 6 - 8 July Summer Ballet 7 - 9 year olds £55 6 - 10 July Modern Ballet 10 - 12 year olds £190 Music Courses 1 - 3 July Early Years Music 1 - 2 year olds £45 1 - 3 July Early Years Music 3-4 year olds £55 29 - 3 July The Circus is in Town 5 - 7 year olds £160 To book any RCS course please call 0141 270 8213 or visit www.rcs.ac.uk/summer

Please mention if you book...

Glasgow Life Holiday Programme is back...

Join the thousands of Glasgow kids who enjoy our free or discounted Holiday Programme activities when they show their Kidz Card.

At Glasgow Life, our community centres, libraries, museums and Glasgow Clubs are bursting with fun activities your kids will love!

Coming up this summer we’ve got: • Arts and crafts • Indoor and outdoor play • Music workshops • Games • Plus lots more!

Find out more about the Holiday Programme at youngglasgow.org.uk, Facebook.com/YoungGlasgow Twitter.com/Young_Glasgow

FRIENDS They’ll think it’s COOL.

You’ll know it’s

EDUCATIONAL.

ENRICHING

memorable

awesome different

COOL

ENROLL YOUR CHILD

TODAY!!

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@Bricks4KidzGla

BRICKS4KIDZ.CO.UK LEGO® is a registered trademark of the LEGO® Group of companies which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse these programs.

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

Families Glasgow

May/June 2015

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Get Set for Summer

Head South to Cumbria

M

ention the Lake District and most people think of hill walking, Wordsworth, Beatrix Potter and…Lakes.

Except for Beatrix Potter none of these are likely to excite young children but as we discovered the Lake District is jam-packed with fun family activities which even your youngest, whingiest family member should enjoy. With stunning scenery and just a few hours down the M6, Cumbria makes for an ideal family destination for a weekend break or holiday.

Our weekend highlight was Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre on the shores of Windermere where our youngest (5) spent hours on the Treetop Nets and adventure play ground while our eldest (9) was thrilled by the Treetop Trek. Similar to Go Ape but set up to accommodate younger children, the Treetop Trek generated two hours of climbing, balancing, swinging and seriously wobbly high up excitement!

A continuous belay safety wire means you never need to unclip as you test your climbing and balance skills along rope ladders, rope bridges, monkey swings and a final zip wire which takes you right down to the shore.

At Brockhole you can also go on a boat trip, rent family rowing boats or individual canoes, rent bikes, play mini golf, take pony rides and go on nature trails or just picnic in their extensive grounds with lake shore views. There’s a café and outdoor coffee bars. (Make sure you keep track of time as the parking system automatically scans your registration on arrival and you have to pay before you leave.)

Holgates Silverdale Caravan Park Middlebarrow Plain, Cove Rd, Silverdale, Lancashire LA5 0SH. Tel 01524 701508, www.holgates.co.uk/silverdale For our most recent weekend in Cumbria, we stayed in a luxury static caravan at the award-winning Silverdale Holiday Park. Just off the M6, with views of Morecambe Bay, Silverdale makes for an excellent weekend break or stopping off point on a long trip south. You can pitch your own tent or caravan or rent a static caravan or camping pod.

Silverdale Holiday Park is very family-focused, with secure entry, a large swimming pool (plus toddler pool and a sauna), an all-day family-friendly restaurant and bar, all set within 100 acres of woodland enjoying stunning sea views. For the kids, there are several outdoor play areas and a football pitch as well as a games room and a small soft play for the little ones.

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Next we visited the Lakeshore Aquarium at the southern banks of Windermere which the children thoroughly enjoyed.

The up-close encounter with the Asian otters, real characters, proved most memorable. You can also pick up a lake cruise here or take a trip on the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway.

There’s actually a lovely hotel just here called The Swan Hotel and Spa which we have stayed at once before.

Other family friendly activities in the lakes that we didn’t get time to visit include: • The World of Beatrix Potter. www.peterrabbit.com • Lakeland Motor Museum: www.lakelandmotormuseum.co.uk • South Lakes Safari Zoo: southlakessafarizoo.com • Leighton Moss (Where BBC Autumn Watch is filmed) www.rspb.org.uk • Go Ape have Grizedale Forest (with a junior section for ages 6+) www.goape.co.uk For families with older children, there are no end of adventurous activities in the Lake District from water sports to gorge walking, to mountain biking.

With plenty to keep the children amused, you can simply enjoy Cumbrias’s stunning scenery, friendly pubs and restaurants. It’s no wonder Cumbria is one of Europe’s top rural destinations and its so easy to get to.

For lots more Lakes ideas see: www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/thingstodo/ familieschildrenactivities or www.golakes.co.uk

Get Set for Summer

Go Ape! www.goape.co.uk 0333 331 7343 Go Ape Aberfoyle (28m north of Glasgow) Highest Platform: 40 metres Longest Zip Wire: 400 metres Go Ape Glentress (50m SE of Glasgow) Highest Platform: 48 metres Longest Zip Wire: 325 metres Go Ape Grizedale Forest (Lake District) Highest Platform: 19 metres

O

ur son has been pestering us to visit Go Ape for many years but their lower age limit is a heartbreaking (for him anyway) 10. He’s a huge fan of climbing walls (and climbing on the sofa, the car roof rack etc.) and like most kids with energy to burn, cannot resist the allure of all those rope swings, rope ladders, high walks and zip wires.

Our recent trip to the Treetop Trek in the Lake District set him off pleading again, and my usual excuse of “You’re not 10 yet” expired at the end of March! Sam had the choice of a birthday party with 10 pals or a trip to Go Ape with just one

friend. With the full knowledge that choosing Go Ape meant 9 less presents, he chose Go Ape without hesitation.

Adults are allowed to supervise only two under 12s which makes sense as soon as you start the training and understand the set up. There’s no continuous belay so everyone has to clip on and off at each section crossing. There are two safety clips and it’s drilled into everyone, (especially all the excited and distracted 10 year olds!), that both colours can never be unclipped at the same time. The instructors supervise only at the very beginning and are strict with any transgressors.

It’s absolutely fantastic fun for kids and adults alike, especially for those who don’t consider themselves adventurous. Dad (not exactly the outdoorsy type) managed to slip off a twisty rope ladder and was safely caught by his safety wire but I don’t think the kids fell off once. They raced through the course (though were not allowed more than two crossings away from their supervisor (stressed Dad!).

Considering the tree top heights of the platforms and the lengths of the zip wires there’s really no place for silliness and we particularly liked the sense of responsibility the staff generated in the kids - who were well aware it was much more serious than a fair ground ride. Most importantly they had a fantastic time, especially on the Zip Wires! Dad liked the Zip Wires best too. Overall, Sam’s opinion was that it was the Best Birthday EVERRRRRRRRR!

Families Glasgow

May/June 2015

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The Family Pages

What’s it like being a stay at home dad?

by John Adams, dad and blogger www.dadbloguk.com

J

ohn Adams is married with two young daughters. He’s also just written his first book ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’. Here he tells Families magazine what it’s like to be Mr Daddy Day Care.

I’m often asked what it’s like to be a stay at home dad. I like to think a mum would answer in exactly the same way. My life is busy and demanding. It also incredibly rewarding as I watch my children grow and develop knowing I’ve helped them along the way.

I have the two daughters. Helen is six and Elizabeth is two.

Of course having daughters presents me with a few additional challenges as I have had to get used to dealing with girls’ haircare and, certainly with my eldest, had to talk about issues such as menstruation.

I may not be best qualified to deal with such things, but as a stay at home dad, I just have to get on and do it!

If I were to be totally honest, one of the biggest issues I have to deal with is isolation. Support networks and social networks for people with children, especially young children, are almost exclusively set up for mums.

For me personally, it’s possibly not the biggest issue. I’m reasonably confident and sociable and I have many friends who are mums and many who are dads. As a dad in my position, however, I think it definitely takes that bit longer until women feel comfortable and happy to approach and speak to you socially. I certainly know of other stay at home dads who have struggled with this.

In the past I have had some horrendous experiences. I once took Elizabeth to have some inoculations and the nurse started physically looking round the room before asking where my wife was. It was an odd question; is a man not capable of booking and accompanying his child to an appointment at the doctor’s surgery?

When it came to registering Elizabeth’s birth, my wife stayed at home and I took our new-born with me to the registrar’s office. I appreciate the registrar probably meant this as a

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B.Fresh juices are currently available online from www.b-fresh.co.uk with an RRP of £2.50

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Families Glasgow

backhanded compliment, but she told me I was “brave” for going out on my own with my daughter. To her it may have been a compliment, to me it was actually quite offensive. It basically suggested I didn’t have the knowledge to look after her.

Having had a few similar experiences I learned a trick.

Whenever I meet a healthcare, education or childcare professional, I tell them within the first few seconds that I am the one who looks after the kids and that my wife works full time. When I do this, it tends to get any awkwardness out of the way and I find am treated appropriately. It’s when I don’t do this, I find things can go wrong and I get accused of “babysitting” my own kids (a comment I hear from time to time).

I became a stay at home dad in 2011. It happened for purely practical reasons. We’d had Helen in nursery full time for a short while and we no longer felt this was appropriate. I wasn’t particularly happy in my job and my wife had the better career prospects. It made sense for me to leave the rat race and stay at home and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since. At the time we only had the one daughter. Needless to say we’ve had one more since then!

I started a blog about my experiences in late 2012 called http://dadbloguk.com. At first it was simply a hobby. Over time, and to my great surprise, more and more people started reading and commenting on the blog and so it has become a cottage industry I fit around my family and I eventually decided to write a book, called ‘A modern father (…and dad blogger)’. At 60 pages long it’s a very easy read and it’s been written in a style that you can dip in and dip out of as you please. It focuses on my experiences as a stay at home parent but I couldn’t resist writing just a little bit about being a dad blogger.

A Modern Father by John Adams is available from Amazon in both paperback (£2.75) and Kindle formats (99p).

?

Do you Blog?

Do you write a blog that might interest our family-focused readers? Send us your link via email or Facebook and we’ll list in the next issue.

Let us know if you don’t mind us re-printing a quote or two with your link. editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk [subject: blog]

The Family Pages

Top tips on how you FAQ “What if my child won’t eat it?” don’t need to cook ‘Children’s meals’.

By Kathryn Mewes, The 3 Day Nanny www.bespokenanny.com

I

know, I know, I can hear: “My children eat too early!" "They eat food I don’t want to eat!" "My husband/wife comes home so late.”

The aim is that you prepare just one meal for dinnertime.

The children eat and you have a small portion with them. When your husband/wife arrives home they have the same meal. A portion has been set aside for them.

I believe that it is so important for children to realize that they cannot have their ‘favourite’ meal each and every day.

My ethos is simple ‘A meal is prepared and there are 2 options – Take it or Leave it!’ Once this attitude is adopted and you remain consistent you will find that the children adjust and adapt to your ‘new way’ at mealtimes.

I think that there is too much emphasis today on children having to eat all of their meal. This is what leads us to only giving them food we know they will eat. It is important to realize that your children may leave some of their meal but as they start to realize this meal is going to appear at least once a fortnight they will adjust. Slowly but surely they will ‘tuck in’.

The key is that your children are seeing a variety of foods and you are eating with them.

I often suggest creating a ‘meal plan’ so that everyone knows what is on offer that night.

For example: Monday Spaghetti bolognaise and green vegetables Tuesday Fish cakes and potato wedges and roasted vegetables Wednesday Thai chicken curry with rice

Please don’t expect your family to instantly adapt. They will ‘dig their heels in’ before accepting the permanent change. If a meal is not eaten simply allow fruit for dessert and a cup of milk to line their stomach before bed. The most important thing is not to offer them something else – or you will then be back to where you once were.

“We all have different tastes.”

You should be able to create a meal where there is something for everyone. For example a curry. You might find one family member prefers the rice, the other the vegetables and the other picks out the meat. In time they will expand on this and start to eat more of the meal. A salad can always be served as an accompaniment to cater for all.

“I don’t want to eat early with my children.”

The important thing is that if you are introducing change you need to lead by example. You can have a small portion, or mainly vegetables while sitting with the children. I have ALWAYS found that children behave far better at the table when an adult is sitting with them, ideally eating not just observing.

Children’s meals It is very common for children to like ‘dry food’. By this I mean nuggets, fish fingers, chips, potato wedges, pesto pasta and sausages. There is nothing terribly wrong with any of these meals but at some stage your child needs to expand. There is a whole world of exciting food beyond ‘children’s menus’!

I suggest these meals are on the weekly menu and they are enjoyed but then there are meals to suit you.

It is a life lesson. There needs to be give and take at meal times. Everyone needs to see their favourite meal once a week.

Mealtime can be for the entire family – not just the children.

For further information and advice on guiding your child at mealtimes please purchase the book The 3 Day Nanny by Kathryn Mewes or go to her website to find out about her bespoke service www.bespokenanny.com.

Thursday Sausages and mash and onion gravy with carrots Friday Fish and Chips night

Editor’s Opinion...

Saturday Pizza and Pasta night

This advice sounds good, but soooo difficult to implement. Our family recently decided to stop/move all kids activities that took place on sunday afternoons and prioritise sunday as a cast-iron, no excuses sit down together family meal. Set in stone. Friends or family join us regularly and it can be Home or Away. But it seems to be working really well so far and the kids look forward to it. 1/7 days isn’t too bad.

Sunday Roast dinner You can alter the menu plan every week or have 2 – 3 that you simply rotate. This has so many advantages: • The food shopping can be done once a week, ordered online for ease.

• Everyone knows what is going to be served.

• You don’t have to think each morning about the ‘evening meal’.

• You are only cooking one meal for the family.

What do you think?

Do work and kids activities prevent your family eating together? Tell us how you manage or what you prioritise. editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk

Families Glasgow

May/June 2015

11

What’s On Highlights

What's On Highlights

Tramway and The Hidden Gardens Saturday 16 May, 12 noon – 6pm FREE entry Southsiders can get a taste of June’s festival with a special neighbourhood event at Tramway. Come and try Bhangra and Bollywood dance, enjoy international cookery demonstrations, arts activities, storytelling and performances from local groups.

It’s one of the city’s biggest and best loved festivals, and definitely its most colourful. And this year Glasgow Mela is 25 – so come along and join the celebrations! An extravaganza of world music and dance, cuisines from across the globe, and loads of free activities especially for children, it’s a weekend that the whole family can enjoy together. www.glasgowmela.com to find out more about both events.

This summer, the world’s only In the Night Garden Live Showdome is back in Glasgow - for two weeks only from 29 August to 12 September.

See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections.

In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome.

With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action and everyone gets a great view!

Watch the trailer and book online at NightGardenLive.com

Splurge guns at the ready!

WED 20 & THU 21 MAY AT THE KING’S THEATRE

FANTASTIC FUN FOR KIDS! 12

May/June 2015

WED 15 & THU 16 JUL AT THE KING’S THEATRE

FRI 31 JUL & SAT 1 AUG AT THE THEATRE ROYAL

KING’S THEATRE 0844 871 7648 THEATRE ROYAL 0844 871 7647 www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

King’s and Theatre Royal Glasgow @Glasgowkings @kingstheatreglasgow

BKG FEES APPLY

Mela on Your Doorstep

Kelvingrove Park Sunday 14 June, 12 noon – 8pm FREE entry

THIS IS AN AMATUER PRODUCTION

Glasgow Mela

Don’t Miss Igglepiggle And Upsy Daisy in Glasgow This Summer!

All these events and MORE can be found out www.familiesglasgow.co.uk

What’s On

Venues with regular activities Rainforest Explorers, Dig Detectives Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org Pick up a backpack to complete our activity trail!

Saturday Art Club: Ballet of the Palette Gallery Of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square 0141 287 3050 www.glasgowlife.org Let your imagination run wild, creating art inspired by our exhibition of paintings in Gallery 2. 10.30am-12.30pm Toddler Tuesdays Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org Join us for a series of exciting sessions led by our Learning Team in our onboard cafe at The Tall Ship! 10.30am-11.15am / £3 Every other Tue from 5 May

Selected Listings May-June 1 May - 17 May Shrek the Musical Kings Theatre, 297-335 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 4JN 01355 258669 www.atgtickets.com Direct from the West End and larger than life! Shrek the Musical comes to the Kings Theatre Glasgow!

2 May Cartoon Capers Riverside Museum, G3 8RS, 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org Make your own cartoon! Inspired by our transport objects and the people who travelled on them.

3 May Obstacle Adventure Race Chatelherault Country Park, Carlisle Road, Fernegair, Hamilton, ML3 7UE, 01698 426213 www.slleisureandculture.co.uk Trailtroopers return with their challenging but fun Obstacle Advenure Race to Chatelherault Country Park 11am - 1.30pm 3 May Spring Food and Gift Fair New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.org.uk Celebrate Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink‚ New Lanark‚ annual Spring Food and Gift Fair will highlight the best of local produce and include demonstrations by chefs and producers from across Scotland. 10am to 4pm

12 May - Totie Tuesdays (Every fortnight) Come along to Low Parks Museum for Totie Tuesdays - fun filled sessions are aimed at the under 3s! Low Parks Museum, Hamilton This is a FREE event.

Call 01698328232 Our songs, rhymes and stories will introduce the children and their families to the museum environment and our collections. www.slleisureandculture.co.uk Tiny Tales Every Sat Tron Theatre Ltd, 63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB 0141 572 4267 www.tron.co.uk Tiny Tales are fun-filled storytelling sessions, brought to life with props, movement, music, percussion and creative play and all carefully designed to stimulate your little one’s senses. 10.30am £5 Wee Creatives Every other Sunday Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Discover museum objects, artworks and displays, brought to life through exploratory play and sensory activities. 11.30am-2.15 pm 7 May The Edibles Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow, G34 9JW, 0141 2769696 www.platform-online-co.uk The Edibles is a show full of magical ingredients and especially made for children. 10.30am & 1.30pm / £3.50 - £8.00 7 May Wee Tots Get Together and BFN Pop Up Support Group Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, Lochlip Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4EA, 01505 842882 www.clydemuirshiel.co.uk Baby Feeding information and Play event 11.30am - 1.30pm 8 May - 10 May Lenzie Rugby Club Mayfest 2015 Lenzie Rugby Club, Viewfield Avenue, Glasgow, G66 4RB www.lenzierugby.com Join us for a weekend full of fun, family, food and frivolity on May 8th, 9th and 10th at Lenzie Rugby Club Mayfest!

9 May Car Boot Sale and Fun Day Calderglen High School, High Common Road, St Leonards, East Kilbride, G74 2LP, 01355588620 www.calderglen.s-lanark.sch.uk annual Car Boot Sale/Fun Day 10am - 1pm

Rouken Glen Baby Strollers Every Thurs Rouken Glen Park, Rouken Glen Road, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 7LL www.roukenglenpark.co.uk Join the Rouken Glen Rangers on their free parent and baby walking group. 1.30pm Burrell Family Films 2nd Sunday Every Month Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park 0141 287 2550 www.glasgowlife.org See popular films on the big screen for FREE on the second Sunday of every month. 2pm Whitelee Stroller Striders Every Tue from 5 May Whitelee Windfarm, Moor Road, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 OQQ 0141 6140851 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk A free weekly parent and baby walking group. 10am - 12pm Wee Wednesdays: Mad Hatters Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT 0141 287 2550 www.glasgowlife.org.uk An exciting afternoon of cutting, sticking and making as we create mad hats using paper, wool, tissue, card, sequins and glitter. 2-3pm 9 May Cross Arthurlie Summer Fair Cross Arthurlie Primary School, Fern Drive, Barrhead, G78 1JF 0141 5707140 blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/ CrossArthurlie/ There will be a variety of colourful stalls, entertainment for the kids and yummy snacks 10am - 12pm / £1.50 adults 50p children 9 May Dig Detectives Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Become a palaeontologist or an archaeologist for the day and dig to discover ancient artefacts.

1‚4pm 9 - 10 May Family Storytime - Thumbelina Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sherriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF 0141 552 3988 www.scottishyouththeatre.org An interactive storytelling adventure for 3-7s and the whole family! 10.30-11.30 12.30-13.30 / £5 per ticket (babies and under 1s go free), family ticket (x4) £15.

9 May - 10 May Maggie’s Lanarkshire Spring Fair The Elizabeth Montgomery Building, Monklands Hospital, Airdrie, ML6 0JS 01236 771199 www.maggiescentres.org/ourcentres/maggies-lanarkshire/ Join us for our Spring Fete where you can browse our stalls which include knitting, candles and crafts 11am - 3pm 9 May The Magic Horse by Yugen Puppets Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk Meet a Magic Horse that takes you wherever in the world that you wish to go 2pm / £5.95 9 May Stamperland Church Fair Stamperland Parish Church, 14 Stamperland Gardens, Clarkston, Glasgow, G76 8LJ 0141 637 4999 www.stamperlandchurch.btck.co.uk Our annual spring fair takes place in and around the church, loads going on, Tombola, Tea room, Home Baking, Bouncy Castle, Bric a Brac and Face Painting to name but a few. 10am - 2pm 10 May Funbox: Pirates and Princesses Paisley Town Hall, Abbey Close, Paisley, PA1 1JF 0141 8803388 www.renfrewshire.gov.uk Pirates and Princesses is the brand new show from Anya, Kevin and Gary... together they are Funbox! 1pm / £9 - £44 10 May The Jack & Jill Market Glasgow Bellahouston Leisure Centre, 31 Bellahouston Drive, Glasgow, G52 1HH 0141 276 0767 www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk The Jack and Jill Markets are quality nearly-new baby and children’s markets where smart mums sell and save. 10.30am 1pm / £1.50 per adult Every other Sun from 10 May 10 May PINK! The Musical East Kilbride Arts Centre, 51-53 Old Coach Road, East Kilbride, G74 4DU 01355 261000 www.slleisureandculture.co.uk PINK! The Musical is the story of a penguin who wakes up one morning to find that he has turned bright pink! 1pm / £6 all seats / £20 family ticket (4 seats)

9 May The Glasgow Museums Annual Art Competition 0141 287 0500 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Visit any of our museums, get creative and enter our Annual Art Competition open to young people aged 3-18. All entries must be received by 31 May 2015.

All these events and MORE can be found out www.familiesglasgow.co.uk

May/June 2015

13

What’s On 13-16 May The Wizard of Oz Eastwood Park Theatre, Eastwood Park, Rouken Glen Road, Glasgow, G46 6UG, 0141 577 4956 www.eastwoodparktheatre.co.uk This classic show centres on Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, who is transported, to the fantasy world of Oz by a tornado. Wishing to return home Glinda, the Good Witch, sets her off down the yellow brick road to find the Wizard of Oz. £10-£14 16 May Big Big Sing Day Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, 2 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow, G2 3NY, 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Love singing? Who doesn’t!

Whether you sing in the shower or sing regularly with a choir, everyone’s invited to belt out some songs with Big Big Sing.

12pm £5 and free for concessions 16 May Dig it! with the Romans Low Parks Museum, 129 Muir Street, Hamilton, ML3 6BJ 01698 328412 www.slleisureandculture.co.uk Can you Dig It!? Help us celebrate this year long archaeology festival at Low Parks by stepping back in time to join the Antonine Guard who lived right here on the edge of the Roman Empire. 12pm - 4pm From 16 May to 17 May 16 May Festival of Museums Gallery Of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH, 0141 287 3050 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Find out how traditional skills such as carving and natural dyeing are used by artists today and join in messy taster activities 11am-4pm

17 May 10,000BC Finlaystone Country Park, Finlaystone Mansion House, Langbank, Port Glasgow, PA14 6TJ, 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Caveman search for fire. 1pm-3pm 17 May Bumps, Babies and Bargains Baby Market Parklands Country Club, 196 Ayr Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 6DT, 0141 639 9222 www.parklandscountryclub.co.uk Indoor stands selling new and good quality used baby and child related goods, including: clothes, prams, toys and accessories....the list goes on. 10.30am - 12.30pm / £2 17 May Windfarm Bush Tucker Whitelee Windfarm, Moor Road, Eaglesham, Glasgow, G76 OQQ 0141 6140851 www.whiteleewindfarm.co.uk Join the one walk where you’ll be encouraged to snack as you go!

1pm-3pm 18 May Lost Things Platform, The Bridge, 1000 Westerhouse Road, Glasgow, G34 9JW, 0141 2769696 www.platform-online.co.uk A boy falls through a crack in the pavement and finds himself in a dark and terrifying new world 1.30pm & 7pm / £3.50 - £8.0

16 May Festival of Museums Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT, 0141 287 2550 www.glasgowlife.org.uk We’ll be weaving a little magic throughout our galleries to celebrate the biggest Festival of Museums yet! 11am-4pm 16 May Three Wishes and Can’t you Sleep Little Bear Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk The Magic Green Man, grants the woodcutter and his wife three wishes, but they make some funny choices 2pm / £5.95

14

May/June 2015

Altogether Glasgow Quiz Trail People’s Palace And Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT, 0141 276 0788 www.glasgowlife.org.uk This trail is a little introduction to Altogether Glasgow which you can complete within the People’s Palace.

23 May to 20 June Every other Sat Burrell for Families: Crazy Caricatures Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT, 0141 287 2550 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Turn some Burrell objects into crazy caricatures in this fun family workshop! 2-3.30pm 23 May Family Storytime The Emperors New Clothes Scottish Youth Theatre, The Old Sherriff Court, 105 Brunswick Street, Glasgow, G1 1TF 0141 552 3988 www.scottishyouththeatre.org An interactive storytelling adventure for 3-7s and the whole family! 10:30 am - 11:30 am, 12:30 pm - 13:30 pm & 03:30 pm - 04:30 pm. / £5 per ticket (babies and under 1s go free), family ticket (x4) £15.

25 May Fire and Shelter Workshop Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Nr Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 8EL, 0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk Wild by Nature’s outdoor leaders will teach you how to build a shelter, forage for natural materials which have fire lighting properties, then light your fire! £15 29 May

16 May Festival of Museums Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Join the Scottish Crannog Centre and take part in underwater archaeology. 11am-3.30pm / £1

23 May

20 - 21 May Octonauts King’s Theatre/Theatre Royale In their first ever live stage show Captain Barnacles and the gang embark on an exciting new underwater mission with music and surprises around every corner. www.atgtickets.com/glasgow 22 - 25May Ideal Home Show Secc, Exhibition Way, Glasgow, G3 8YW, 0141 2483000 www.secc.co.uk The award-winning home show brings together more than 400 exhibitors and 8 show sectors under one roof, offering visitors a unique one-stop shopping experience across all areas of the home. From interiors to home improvement, gardens to gadgets, the show will be packed.

Wildlife Trail and Explorers Scotland Street School Museum 0141 287 0500 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Dress up as a wildlife explorer and go on the hunt for some wonderful wildlife 30 May All the Fun of the Fair Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Indulge in some fairground shenanigans! 1-3pm 30 May Frogs and Snails Dams To Darnley Country Park, Nitshill Road, Glasgow, G78 2SG 0141 577 4053 www.damstodarnley.org Take a closer look at some of the amazing beasties living in the ponds at Dams to Darnley Country Park! 1pm - 3pm

30 May Giffnock Primary Parent Council Car Boot Sale & Craft Fair Giffnock Primary School, Academy Roadd, Giffnock, Glasgow, G46 6JL, 0141 5707180 www.eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk Bouncy castles, mini zoo, crafts and games, tea room with delicious home baking, burger van, tombolas and much more.

11am - 3pm £1 30 May Mini Mascots People’s Palace And Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT, 0141 276 0788 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Clyde was a big hit during the Commonwealth Games, now you can design and make your very own mascot! 1-3pm 30 May Mugdock Castle Open!

Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Nr Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 8EL, 0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk Mugdock Castle is open to visitors and staffed by our Castle Stewards who will take you on a tour. £1 - £1.50 30 May RSPB Barons Haugh Walk for Wildlife Rspb Baron Haugh’s Nature Reserve, Manse Road, Motherwell, ML1 2PZ, 0141 331 0993 www.rspb.org.uk Come along and join us as we enjoy a lovely sponsored walk or run around the beautiful surrounds of RSPB Baron’s Haugh.

10am - 1pm 30 May Every other Sat Sir Clive and the C5 Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS, 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Discover a few of Sir Clive’s clever and whacky inventions. 11am12.30pm and 1.30-3pm 31 May Nature Club No Parents Required!

Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Nr Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 8EL, 0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk Ranger led activities for 8 - 12 year olds 1.45pm-4pm / £2 6 June A Grand Day Out at GMRC, the clay way!

Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road 0141 276 9300 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Be inspired by our wonderful objects and have a go at making your own in clay, to take home.

A workshop for all generations!

2-4pm

All these events and MORE can be found out www.familiesglasgow.co.uk

What’s On 6 June The Big Glasgow Comic & Craft Fair The Arches, 253 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8DL, 0141 565 1000 www.thearches.co.uk The Big Glasgow Comic Page presents a day of assorted geekery for girls and boys of all ages 10am - 4pm 6 June Crookfur Primary School Fair Crookfur Primary School, Capelrig Road, Newton Mearns, Glasgow, G77 6LF, 0141 5707120 blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/er/ Crookfur/ Annual school fair.

6 June Family Talk Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Find out about dinosaurs from a real dinosaur hunter. 2-4pm 6 June Giffnock Soccer Centre International Football Festival Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43, 0141 276 0924 www.glasgow.gov.uk First Class Organisation and an Excellent Playing Schedule are the basis for Giffnock’s International Youth Football Festival being held on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th of June 2015.

6 June to 7 June Glasgow Science Festival Kelvingrove Art Gallery And Museum, Argyle Street, Glasgow, G3 8AG, 0141 276 9599 www.glasgowlife.org.uk A weekend of fun-filled science activities for all the family.

1.30-4pm See www.glasgowsciencefestival. org.uk for loads more sciencey events around Glasgow.

6 June to 7 June I Spy with PC McKay Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk The puppets at Talking Heads have something to complain about. From lost dogs to missing wands can PC McKay find out what’s going on? 2pm £5.95 7 June Lads & Dads Survival Course Mugdock Country Park, Craigallian Road, Nr Milngavie, Glasgow, G62 8EL, 0141 956 6100 www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk It’s a day out spending time together, learning new skills and making memories. 10am 12.30pm and 1pm - 3.30pm / £15 per adult + child £7.50 additional child

7 June Mini Raft Race Finlaystone Country Park, Finlaystone Mansion House, Langbank, Port Glasgow, PA14 6TJ, 01475 540505 http:www.finlaystone.co.uk Join the Rangers and make your mini raft then see how it fares in the mini raft race 1pm-3pm 11 June Badger Watch Falls Of Clyde Wildlife Reserve, New Lanark World Heritage Site, South Lanarkshire, ML11 9DB www.newlanark.org An evening walk to our badger viewing area, learning about badgers as you go. 6.30pm 10pm / £4 per child, £8 per child 13 June Big Magic Wand

by Alex the Magician Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarras Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow, G12 0QF 0141 339 6185 www.maskandpuppet.co.uk A great magic and entertainment show for all the family 2pm / £5.95 13 June Bioblitz Rspb Lochwinnoch Nature Reserve, Largs Road, Lochwinnoch, PA12 4JF 01505842663 www.rspb.org Mass wildlife recording event and a chance to be introduced to the wildlife around you! 10am 2.30pm 13 June Kites and Early Flight Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS, 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Make and design a fun kite that you can fly. 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm 13-14 June Promoting Glasgow People’s Palace And Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT, 0141 276 0788 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Create a poster with your own Glasgow message. 1-3pm 13 June Treasure Hunt Dams To Darnley Country Park, Nitshill Road, Glasgow, G78 2SG 0141 577 4053 www.damstodarnley.org Follow the map, solve the clues and discover hidden treasures at Dams to Darnley Country Park!

10am - 1pm

13 June Woolly Weekend National Museum of Rural Life, Philipshill Road, Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride, G76 9YR, 0300 1236789 www.nts.org.uk Join us for our annual Woolly Weekend for sheep shearing and woolly crafts at National Museum of Rural Life. 10am-4pm 20 June Animal Magic Glasgow Museums Resource Centre, 200 Woodhead Road, South Nitshill Industrial Estate, Glasgow, G53 7NN, 0141 276 9300 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Join our safari and discover the wild animals of Nitshill. Make a spring peg animal to take home.

20 June Cycling Through the Past Riverside Museum, www.glasgowlife.org.uk Come along and be amazed at the variety of bikes within the museum 11am-12.30pm & 1.30-3pm 20 June Talk of the Steamie, Paddle Steamers: Doon the Watter People’s Palace And Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT, 0141 276 0788 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Join Ian Quinn from the Paddle Steamers Preservation Society as he delves into the days of holidays Doon the Watter 2-3pm

28 June Damsels in Distress Dams To Darnley Country Park, Nitshill Road, Glasgow, G78 2SG 0141 577 4053 www.damstodarnley.org Can you tell the difference between a damselfly and a dragonfly? As part of ‘National Insect Week’ we will be looking at these fascinating creatures up close. 1pm - 3pm 28 June Family Film: Autism Friendly Screening Burrell Collection, Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, G43 1AT, 0141 287 2550 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Specific screenings for visitors who may struggle with regular cinema experiences. The classic tale of Rapunzel is given a Disney twist this month! 2pm 28 June Scavenger Hunt Finlaystone Country Park, Finlaystone Mansion House, Langbank, Port Glasgow, PA14 6TJ, 01475 540505 www.finlaystone.co.uk Aimed at children aged 5 -10.

Follow the signs to find the answers. Prizes for completing the course. 1pm-3pm

21 June Technicoloured Dinosaurs Glasgow Museums Resource Centre 0141 276 9300 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Find out how palaeontologists work in this fun and informative workshop. 1-3pm 27 June Baton for Glasgow People’s Palace And Winter Gardens, Glasgow Green, Glasgow, G40 1AT, 0141 276 0788 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Design and make your own Queen’s Baton inspired by the Our Games exhibition. 1-3pm 27 June Saturday Art Club: The stage is set!

Gallery Of Modern Art, Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow, G1 3AH, 0141 287 3050 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Help to create a fabulous stage set inspired by the artist Douglas Morland’s exhibition in Gallery 3.

10.30am-12.30pm 27 June Treasure Island Challenge!

Riverside Museum, 100 Pointhouse Place, Glasgow, G3 8RS, 0141 287 2720 www.glasgowlife.org.uk Help our pirate captain make a small boat and transport all the booty. 11am-12.30pm and 1.30-3pm

All these events and MORE can be found out www.familiesglasgow.co.uk

15-16 July Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom at the King’s Theatre Stage adaptation of the BAFTA award-winning television animation. Holly is a young fairy princess learning how to fly and master her magic. Her best friend Ben the Elf doesn’t do magic but can run very fast and flies on the back of Gatson the Ladybird. Join Ben and Holly on this exciting musical adventure packed full of games, songs and laughter. www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

31 July - 1 August Bugsy Malone Set in 1929 in New York’s criminal underworld, the much loved smash hit musical is brought to life with a young cast of bright, local talent. With twists and turns, showgirls and splurge guns, the plot unfolds leading to a spectacular showdown at Fat Sam’s Grand Slam! www.atgtickets.com/glasgow

May/June 2015

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We can make the difference At Belmont House School, we value every child for the individual that they are. Discover how your son or daughter could benefit from small class sizes, personal attention and a seamless transition from Nursery to Junior School and Junior through to Senior School.

Prospective pupils and parents are welcome to visit the school all year round.

Sandringham Avenue, Newton Mearns

0141 639 2922

www.belmontschool.co.uk

Maths & English tuition centre For 5 to 14 year olds of all abilities • Courses mapped to the Curriculum for Excellence.

• Adapts to the individual needs of your child.

• Vibrant learning environment that children enjoy.

• Convenient for families - Open 7 days a week.

• Award-winning tuition - Education Investor Supplementary Education Provider of the Year.

Free trial session - book today!

Darnley

0141 404 1049

East Kilbride

01355 587 220

or book online at www.explorelearning.co.uk

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May/June 2015

Families Glasgow