Families Edinburgh Issue 76 Jan/Feb 2013

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ISSUE 76 January / February 2013

Progressive multi-sensory fun approach Beginners to advanced Mother & Toddler Holiday Clubs

Contact 0131 510 0328

Little Bird by Jools Oliver. www.mothercare.com

www.spanishamigos.co.uk kirsty@spanishamigos.co.uk

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

Happy New Year!

Whats Inside 3–5 6–7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 – 15 16 – 17 18 – 25 26 – 30

Local News and Views Clubs and Classes News New Year - New Job Don’t Move - Improve!

Early Visual Development Parent to Parent Frugal Food For Families Look After The Pennies....

How to Have the Best Family Holiday Ever!

Do’s and Don’t of Birthdays Great Big, Bursting At The Seams Birthday Guide Out and About Get in Touch

Editor: Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405 Keep up to date at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Find us on Facebook Designer: kdickson7@gmail.com

NEXT ISSUE March/April 2013 Easter Activities/Pregnancy and Baby Feature.

Booking deadline January 31st 2013

Oscars Oscars operate out of school childcare provision across Edinburgh & The Lothian’s in the form of Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs and Holiday Clubs. We currently have 11 services registered with The Care Inspectorate and we are currently looking to expand our network of clubs.

Established in 1992, our success is based on the quality of our staffing both within our childcare services and at head office. We have a dedicated team of staff at head office, providing support in the areas of human resources, finance, and marketing & reservations. In addition, we have two Operations Managers, providing support to our childcare staff on a daily basis. Our head office support allows childcare staff to focus on providing an efficient, professional & fun service that is enjoyed by children and valued by parents.

We provide on-going support to our staff with regard their registration with The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and their continued professional development. Many of our staff have already achieved the relevant qualification required to meet the SSSC criteria. However, we continue to support staff with their training both in financial and practical terms.

Oscars is committed to supporting its staff and providing an enjoyable and rewarding environment in which to work. Our staff are key to ensuring the continued success & development of Oscars. If you would like further information on OSCARS please contact either Jonathan Combe or Andrew Fisher on 0131 557 7500.

Located in Christ Church, Bruntsfield. This friendly, parentrun group has spaces available for children aged 21⁄2 to school age. Funding is available after their 3rd birthday. Playgroup is open during term time from 9.10 - 11.45. For more information please call the playgroup at 228 2768 or see our website www.holycorner.org Emma Healey is a PhD student the University of Edinburgh and her research looks at how children learn words. As part of this she is looking for parents of 2-, 3- and 4-year-old children to come to their lab in George Square and watch some short, child-friendly videos with their child. Your visit would last around half an hour and to say thank you parents will get a £2.50 voucher for the Peter's Yard coffee shop on Middle Meadow Walk (2 minutes walk away!) and children their choice from a selection of Usborne sticker books.

For more information, or to volunteer, please go to www.ppls.ed.ac.uk/lel/people/emma- healey#parents or email me at emma@ling.ed.ac.uk

Chatterbox Challenge week is 1st – 8th March 2013

Cover Information Little Bird by Jools Oliver Mothercare www.mothercare.com

I CAN, the children’s communication charity that provide help and advice to parents and practitioners about speech, language and communication, is inviting hundreds of thousands of little Chatterboxes in Scotland to take part in its annual fun and educational event for nurseries, pre-schools, childminding and community groups for children aged 0-5.

The aim of the challenge is for groups to organise a tea party event at their nursery, playgroup or preschool, where children perform songs and rhymes which helps children develop their communication skills. Additionally, these events will raise valuable funds and awareness for I CAN’s work with children who struggle with speech, language and communication as friends and family are encouraged to sponsor children for their Chatterbox Challenge performance.

To register and get involved in this year’s Chatterbox Challenge Mad Chatter’s Tea Party with Humf, go to www.chatterboxchallenge.org.uk

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Scottish Chamber Orchestra On 9 February at 3pm, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra is joined on the stage of the Usher Hall by a choir of pupils from primary schools across Edinburgh for a family concert full of songs about the kind of creatures that live under your bed. A Little Book of Monsters was composed by Stephen Deazley with lyrics by Matt Harvey about monsters big and small, who might just be a little misunderstood. This musical romp with snobgoblins, cannibal animals and monster hunters is uniquely styled to appeal to audiences young and old and, along with music from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and Paul Patterson’s hilarious retelling of the Three Little Pigs, provides the perfect opportunity for families to share the enjoyment of a fabulous live music experience. Preceding the concert, the SCO hosts a Family Day (10:30am - 3pm) at the Usher Hall. Free and suitable for all ages, this fun day of monster-inspired events includes music workshops, story-telling, face-painting, monster art workshops, magicians, balloon sculpting and more. visit www.sco.org.uk/connect for workshop times and more information

Glasgow 2018 - Back Our Bid

Kwikdry Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Eco friendly products choice of machines Carpets deep cleaned and deodorised Dry within 30 mins with Dry Fusion Machine

For Fresh, Clean Carpets call 0131 476 0129 mob 07583853684 For information on special offers and package deals for business and domestic customers go to

www.kdcleaningedinburgh.co.uk

Strawberry Hill Nursery have made “A Children’s Promise to learn about Social Responsibility” through their early years childcare & education.

Every day, the staff encourage the children to consider how the small things they do make a difference to others in their community. To explore the meaning of giving at Christmas the nursery children have recently been collecting items to make up a Christmas Hamper for the Children 1st Charity who care for vulnerable children in Scotland. The nursery children really enjoyed collecting art and craft materials to put in the hamper which was then passed to the local Children 1st Centre for use in there sessions.The nursery also held a Christmas carol concert for the families at the nursery the proceeds from which have also been donated to the charity.

To find out more about how Strawberry Hill Nursery has been learning about giving please visit our charitable activities facebook page www.facebook.com/BNG.fundraising.

French and German classes with a difference in Edinburgh from the New Year

Helps children to move forward, overcome anxieties, habits and behaviours holding them back.

Working with parents to help improve communication at many levels with their children.

Masterful Parenting course - book now!

Mind Matters - preparing for exams Individual sessions throughout the year Call Karen 07837930714 www.kidsnlpscotland.co.uk

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A new way of learning languages is coming to Edinburgh from January. Speak Out! French and German classes give language learners the confidence to talk, opening the doors for new travel experiences. The focus is on building confidence in speaking and understanding, moving away from traditional textbook learning. Designed for beginners and rusty learners, classes are small and tailored to each individual’s needs and interests, allowing for plenty of attention and practice and leading to rapid improvement. Every class is designed to be fun, practical and to build confidence. And as part of each course, there is an optional guided trip to Paris or Hamburg to put everything into practice!

Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe, or whether you want a new challenge this New Year, forget the textbooks and grammar guides and learn to speak out with confidence!

Courses are held across Edinburgh from January.

More information can be found at www.speakoutwithconfidence.com or call Ruth on 07825 597056.

Glasgow is currently bidding against 4 other cities from around the world to host the 2018 Youth Olympic Games.

A UK-wide marketing campaign launched earlier last year to raise awareness of Glasgow’s bid and to encourage public support. The Youth Olympic Games launched in 2010 in Singapore and is one of the biggest sporting events in the world exclusively for young athletes. Through its combined sport, culture and education programmes, the Youth Olympic Games aim to inspire young people globally to participate in sport and live by the Olympic Values of excellence, friendship and respect. Hosting the Youth Olympic Games in Glasgow would provide fantastic opportunities for young people in Scotland, enabling us to continue the UK’s Olympic journey of inspiring a generation!

The host city will be chosen in July 2013 by members of the International Olympic Committee and the bid has already won the support of the Prime Minister David Cameron and a host of Olympians including Dame Kelly Holmes, Sir Chris Hoy, gold medallist rower Katherine Grainger and Glasgow’s silver medallist swimmer Michael Jamieson.

Please join them and show your support for Glasgow 2018 online at www.glasgow2018.com Everyone who 'Backs Our Bid' regardless of whether this is online or through a handwritten bid form at any of the events we attend is automatically entered into a monthly prize draw with a chance to win a £50 Visa gift card.

Kwikdry Carpet Cleaning Kwikdry Carpet Cleaning provides professional carpet and upholstery cleaning for both commercial and domestic customers in Edinburgh.

Rosemary Duncan who started the business says “In the last two years I have read more books and looked up more information on the computer than I ever thought possible.”

She has used her research to find the top choice of machines and the best products available. Finding options appropriate for asthma sufferers, anti-static products for offices and much more.

“Clean, fresh carpets and upholstery not only look good they also promote a healthy environment to work and live in, and a welcome feeling to staff, customers and friends.”

If you’re worried that having carpets cleaned will put a room out of action for a day then the dry fusion machine is a perfect option. It has a built in heater and leaves the carpet dry in 30 minutes.

The hot water extraction machine is great for very dirty carpets - particularly businesses with a lot of foot fall but takes a bit longer to dry.

Call for more information, special offers or a quote 0131 476 0129 / 07583 853 684. www.kdcleaningedinburgh.co.uk

St George's School

St George's School, like many independent schools, is an all-through school: we educate children as young as two, and we see confident young women leave our sixth form each year, ready to take their place in the world. What happens between these two ends of the age spectrum is the interesting bit. You would expect us to do our very best to ensure the highest standards of learning and teaching in every part of the school - and we certainly do try very hard to achieve this aim. However, our intention is that we should be seen as one school managing transition from each stage to the next in a smooth and coherent way so that each girl is always building on previous learning in a dynamic context.

We want every girl to enjoy her learning. We believe that our Nursery and Junior School provide many opportunities to encourage our girls to develop into young women who are considerate of others, open to new ideas and with the ability to judge what is right. As the oldest girls in Junior School, our Primary 5 girls willingly take on leadership roles, and then they are ready to move into Lower School.

Lower School is a vibrant and energetic place - the middle part of the school - where the transition from primary to secondary education is managed seamlessly. From Primary 6 onwards, our Lower School girls demonstrate their talents, not only in academic work but, just as importantly, in music, drama, dance, sport and a whole host of other activities. Moving to Upper School at the end of Lower 4 (S1) is not a daunting process because the girls already know many of their teachers and they are familiar with teaching spaces like the art studio and sports hall.

We are not complacent. We are enthusiastic about building on our success, and that is why progression and coherence in our learning and teaching are at the heart of our development plans. We are privileged to work in an all-through school: it is wonderful to see the whole process of children developing into adults of whom we can be proud. admissions@st-georges.edin.sch.co.uk

Brain Tumour Research – Wear A Hat Day

Join the fun on March 28th 2013 and help fund the fight against brain tumours ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun way of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer.

It’s a day every year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home.

From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can.

Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”.

Register your interest today sarah@braintumourresearch.org

Playdays Nursery School On December 3rd Playdays Nursery School moved in to their new premises at 4 East Suffolk Road. Councillor Jim Orr performed the official opening. The building was formerly part of St Margaret's School which sadly closed in 2010. Playdays Kindergarten have been successfully running their nursery for the past 12 years at premises close by.

The large stone built detached building at 4 East Suffolk Road has been sympathetically refurbished to a children's day nursery. The nursery has excellent facilities and bright, spacious airy playrooms, a large soft play area and a large outdoor astro turfed play area approximately 200sq metres. To find out more information please email iplaydays@hotmail.co.uk or call 0131 662 0010

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EDINBURGH YOUNG MUSICIANS Excitement is building up at Edinburgh Young Musicians in anticipation of a return visit from international virtuoso Piers Adams and his amazing Recorder Roadshow, last seen in Edinburgh in 2002. On Saturday afternoon March 16th Piers will hold a Workshop open to young recorder players aged 8 to 18, during which they will put together a piece of music specially composed for Piers' Recorder Roadshows. That evening there will be a Gala Concert, informally compered and performed

by Piers and his pianist David Wright, which will include music from 8 centuries and 3 continents, played on around 20 recorders of all shapes and sizes, and will incorporate the piece rehearsed during the Workshop.

Details of this and all EYM activities can be found at www.e-y-m.org.uk.

TALKING TOTS

NEW DANCE CLASSES!

Talking Tots are running a new ‘Sparklers’ class (aimed at 3 and 4 year olds) at Lifecare, 2 Cheyne St, Stockbridge from 11-11.45am on Mondays. It’s an ideal way to introduce preliteracy skills and support your little ones as they move towards primary school. For more details contact Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or jen@talkingtots.info

Dynam-nic Dance have launched new children’s classes in the Trinity area. Children from age 18 months can now 'Discover The Joy Of Dance' on a Friday afternoon at Trinity Scout Hall, South Trinity Road. Tiny Twinkles will have little ones aged 18 months to 3 years dancing on their tippy toes, and don’t forget one parent or guardian gets to join in the fun! Adventurous 3-6 year olds can try our fun Street classes along side our Ballet and Tap classes. Times and class descriptions can be found on our website or contact Nicky to book your free trial class. 07545551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk Additional classes take place at our Craiglockhart venue.

HELPING CHILDREN TO SUCCEED

The winter term of Turtle Tots Edinburgh is well underway with 10 classes at various locations in the city all going fantastically well on weekdays and weekends. Mums and dads across the city are having a ball in the water with their wee ones teaching them water confidence and water safety skills, and also singing lots of songs. They are getting a workout themselves and meeting lots of other lovely parents too! The next underwater photoshoot has been confirmed for February 3rd. Aquanatal yoga classes are also ongoing on Wednesday nights at the lovely warm pool at Braidburn school, with lots of mumsto-be enjoying the gentle exercise and increasing their flexibility in this fantastic, relaxing environment. This class can be joined any time after Week 14 of pregnancy.

Turtle Tots’ Spring term will be starting in early February in pools across the city, and for more information you can visit www.turtletots.com, or email or call Karina on Edinburgh@turtletots.com or 07964840049. Turtle Tots is also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TurtleTotsEdinburgh, with lots of news, competitions, and information regularly updated there.

Parents are well positioned to observe their child’s presenting symptoms: difficulty remembering information, poor fine motor skills, inability to sit still, poor social skills, difficulty with reading, spelling or writing, anxiety or frustration. Frustratingly more of the same doesn’t seem to be impacting on their progress.

Learning is a multi faceted set of skills requiring a strong foundation. All five senses are used in the learning process and if they are not fully integrated, it impacts on their ability to learn. Kb-Insights explores the underlying difficulties behind the presenting symptoms to ascertain which intervention would benefit each child. By creating more efficient pathways it addresses the underlying difficulty. This helps make the foundations stronger whether it is motor, auditory or working memory related.

Call Karen to discuss your child’s presenting issues and to ascertain if Kb-Insights can support your child’s learning and development. 0783 7930714 Visit www.Kb- Insights.co.uk

TURTLE TOTS

NEW CHILDREN'S DANCE CLASSES WEDNESDAYS Scout Hall, South Trinity Road TINY TWINKLES - 18mths - 3yrs TWINKLE TOES - 3 & 4yrs MINI STARS - 5 & 6yrs ALSO COMING TO TRINITY SOON Little Street - 4 & 5 yrs Junior Street - 6-8 yrs Places will go fast so reserve yours now

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL CLASS NOW Additional classes held at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre

Call Nicky 07545 551271

FREEL

TRIA CLASS

nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk

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DANCE FOR ALL At Dance For All, established in 1985, pupils aged 21⁄2 - 18yrs are nurtured to excel and enjoy the finest dance genres, including RAD Ballet, ISTD Tap, SDS Flamenco, Jazz and Contemporary. Director, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of tutors in over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners to advanced), such as the popular Drop-In Ballet. The Professional Stage & Dance Teacher Training, which is unique to Scotland, is also available at their hub of expertise. Did you know that dance can improve physical, cognitive and emotional health? Find out more on their website www.danceforall.co.uk where you can browse timetables, testimonials, booking forms and photo galleries or call the office on 0131 226 5533.

DRAMA STUDIO SPRING HOLIDAY CLUB BOOKING NOW!

‘ANXIETY IS THE ENEMY OF LEARNING’.

We are running our very popular Spring Holiday Club at Liberton Kirk Halls, Liberton, Kirkgate, Edinburgh from 1st-5th April suitable for students aged 4-14 years.

This will be a real fun week meeting new friends and doing all kinds of Arts activities such as Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song and dance,Tai Ch'i, dressing up, soft ball, parachute games and performing if you attend in the morning.

A different activity or theme takes place each afternoon making for a wonderfully rounded experience for all ages.

Go to www.thedramastudio.com or call 0131-4533284 for full details and to register. Weekly EARLY BIRD RATES (£10 discount - until 1st March) Fee Rate - £115 Full days, £65 Mornings, £50 Afternoons

Kids NLP Scotland supports children and families to overcome issues impacting on their well being. The kind of issues addressed are around essential life skills such as raising self-esteem, co-operation, confidence building, social interaction and communicating with peer groups and adults, motivation and listening skills.

Anxiety, frustration, bullying and fear of change all impact on the ability to embrace life. An indirect and additional benefit of coaching is raising a child’s self-esteem and confidence. By addressing issues making them unhappy, children soon realise they are capable of making significant changes in other areas of their life. www.kidsnlpscotland.co.uk Karen 07837930714

HELEN O’GRADY The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy has been running classes in Edinburgh and the Lothians for over 10 years. If you want your child to join the most popular drama academy in the world, to perform, learn to speak well, learn skills to help them on leaving school, and have great fun, then act now! Through our programme students will speak more confidently, improve self esteem, meet new friends, act in plays and improve listening skills. At the end of each term all classes in the Academy hold a short presentation. The third term of the year all classes perform a short scripted play for parents and friends at a theatre in June. This is fantastic fun for everyone involved as it gives each child a chance to shine and be part of something special and worthwhile. Our drama programme will also assist with public speaking, performance skills and is lots of fun! What our parents say: ‘Wonderful performance from all the children, their enthusiasm and enjoyment was evident. The teachers are obviously so dedicated and caring.

ABSOLUTLY GREAT!!’ To book your child in for a FREE TRIAL please call 0131 667 0939 and quote ‘Families’ or email midscot@helenogrady.co.uk, We look forward to hearing from you. www.helenogrady.co.uk

STROLLERS MUSIC SCHOOL Classes are run by Tomlin Leckie at Out of the Blue on Dalmeny Street. He is an experienced musician and teacher as well as being a member of the PVG scheme with regards to working with children. Rather than working through a classical curriculum which can quite often be rather dull we focus on music that our students want to learn and our own course material. Finally, lessons take place either in groups or one-to-one and are available from the age of 11 up. Strollers Music School (07515) 173960 www.strollersmusic.co.uk @tomlinleckie

RAZZAMATAZ Razzamataz Theatre School has been running in Edinburgh for over 6 years and offer excellent training in dance, drama and singing in musical theatre and pop/commercial styles for 4-18 year olds. We aim to provide top class tuition in a fun yet safe environment.

Classes generally run term time on a Saturday with various times and availability.

On January 12th 2013 we are offering a FREE TASTER SESSION so If you’re child is aged 4-17 and would like to see what we do, please contact Lynn on 01283 814 092 or edinburgh@razzamataz.co.uk to book! Places are limited so early booking is advised. Visit www.razzamataz.co.uk for more information.

KINDERMUSIK WITH ELLIE Kindermusik is an internationally acclaimed music and movement programme which complements children's development from newborn to 7 years old. Kindermusik provides the foundation for all musical learning where children and their families engage in an exciting learning process. • Music • Movement • Songs • Rhymes • Instrument Play • Parent & Child Time • Listening activities • Storytelling The Kindermusik programmes specifically focus on children's different developmental stages.

All programmes and activities are based on the latest research in music and child development.

In Kindermusik with Ellie you will find classes for children 0-18 months, 1 1⁄2 - 3 years old, 3-5 years old and 5-7 years old, where each child's development and learning are encouraged in a safe environment. Parents also benefit -by taking part in the class, Kindermusik gives you the opportunity to spend quality time with your child, share experiences in a fun and creative way and strengthen your bonding.

Contact Ellie to book a FREE Demo class. Kindermusik_with_Ellie@hotmail.com 07962 678561 For more information visit Ellie’s website: www.kindermusikwithellie.co.uk Follow Kindermusik with Ellie on facebook

Dancing for healthy, happy bodies and minds

breakdancing hip hop

cheerleading street dance

Step It Up Dance Parties also available!

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Working 9 to 5 .... What a way to make a living!

We have relaxed work patterns over the years so there is now no longer a "9 to 5" mentality in most work places. However that brings it’s own pressure in now having the facility to work 24/7 if we so require - another challenge.

Having gone through one of the worst recessions we have ever known, it has made employers and employees revaluate their life/work balance and there have been some interesting evolutions, particularly over the last 4 years.

Employers are more aware that their survival and growth works hand in hand with how happy their employees feel at work as this will also result in increased commitment and aid staff retention.

As such they have been far more responsive to part-time workers as it has been a good resource to save on cash flow while still enabling the job to get done. For a number of roles, working from home has also promised some great advantages, however if this is not done correctly it can be disruptive for all involved.

All the flexibility that employers now show, and that we look for in a job, comes down to one key question .... "Are we happy in our work?"

Data gathered since 2006 shows that people everywhere feel less confident, motivated, loyal, resilient, committed and engaged. Research, involving 9,000 people from around the world, reveals some astonishing findings. Employees who report being happiest at work: • Stay twice as long in their jobs as their least happy colleagues • Spend double their time at work focused on what they are paid to do • Take ten times less sick leave • Believe they are achieving their potential twice as much If you’re really happy at work, you’ll solve problems faster, be more creative, adapt fastest to change, receive better feedback, get promoted quicker and earn more over the long-term.

We can help you get back to work after a career break.

The PCT Partnership’s highly successful 8 week part time courses for Women Returning to Work give you tuition and 1-1 feedback on writing your CV, completing application forms and preparing for job interviews, as well as updating your IT skills. The course will also re-introduce you to today's working environment and give you guidance and support in finding a job.

Our courses are funded by Skills Development Scotland and are free if you live in Edinburgh and the Lothians and have been away from work for 13 weeks or more. Our next course will start in January 2013.

For information call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk

So in 2013 we will see yet more changes in the workplace, fortunately there should be more opportunities whether that is promotional, working patterns or new jobs coming to the market place as companies put their growth strategies back in place .Is this your time for New Year, New Job? Pauline Dickson is Managing Director of Dickson Lewis, a specialist Accountancy Recruitment Company, and the Director for Scotland of the Institute of Recruitment Professionals (IRP) as well as being mum to Connor and Charlotte. Pauline also offers career coaching through regular workshops and one-to-one coaching. Dickson Lewis is based at Wemyss House, 45 Frederick Street, Edinburgh Tel: 0131 225 2000 e - mail:pauline@dicksonlewis.com

The PCT Partnership The PCT Partnership runs highly successful courses to help women get back to work after a break. People coming on our courses may have decide the full time career just isn’t for them now that they have children or perhaps they’re not sure what jobs are out there or what direction to take. Theresa Pedreschi and Alison Craik, directors of The PCT Partnership and course tutors, use their experience and knowledge of the job market and of current recruitment and selection procedures to help develop confidence and practical job searching skills. This includes making sure everyone knows where to look for jobs, how to write a CV that will get them an interview, how to complete application forms (particularly the personal statement!) and lots of help preparing for job interviews. We also include training in Microsoft Office so everyone should feel much more confident about going back to work.

Our courses run for 8 weeks and take account of family commitments so attendance is 2-3 days/week form 9.30 -2.00. Once the 8 week course is completed, we provide ongoing support to help find work.

‘The course really helped build my confidence, learning how to complete job applications and prepare for interviews. Going to the course 3 days a week was good practice for getting me and my family out of the door in the morning!’

‘It was great being with other women who like me were a bit apprehensive about going back to work. I gained a lot from working as part of a group and we still keep in touch. ’ ‘Although I’d used IT at work I appreciated the tuition we got and I feel more confident now that my skills are up to date’

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don’t move, improve!

With Christmas and New year over, you may be thinking that your current house no longer meets the needs of your growing family, and perhaps 2013 should be the year you do something about it?

You have probably asked the question “Is it better to move to a new home in the same area (school catchment) or enhance your current home?”

In reality it is probably better to stay where you are and improve. You can create a space designed around your family’s requirements.

But what’s the best way to do this? How do you start the process? Know what is possible? And how do you find out what it will cost?

First Steps Your first point of contact should be a local Architect who will be able to advise on the possibilities to extend / alter your existing home and will be able to produce all the necessary information for the Planning and Building Warrant Applications.

They are also equipped to advise on suitable building contractors and work with them to get your project completed on time and within budget.

What can be done to improve my house?

The architect will consider your current home, your family’s lifestyle and your budget. Space is usually at a premium and you need to get the most from the current site and of course your budget. The two most common ways of enlarging your home are, extending UP into the loft or OUT into an extension.

Loft Conversion Converting your existing loft is a great way to gain extra living space without dramatically altering the external appearance of your home. Careful consideration needs to be given to the design of the layout to maximise space, homes built after 1960 tend to have trussed roofs making conversion more costly, although lofts in older buildings are generally better suited to conversion. Some loft conversions may not require full planning permission depending on the works involved.

While we are discussing the roof, it would be prudent to look at the possibility of adding solar panels to help reduce those ever increasing fuel bills. A new 1m bubble planning guideline allows for the installation of solar panels and satellite dishes on a property without the need for full planning approval. However, if your home is in a listed building or in a conservation area then a planning application would be required.

How long will it take?

A loft conversion should take approximately 8 - 12 weeks depending on size of loft.

Extensions An extension can create more living space and accommodate a bigger kitchen, dining or living area. Onestorey extensions are common, but a two storey extension can create another bedroom and/or bathroom without going into the loft. With the help of an architect getting planning approval for an extension can be pretty straightforward, and depending on the size and height of the extension a full planning application may not be required. Your extension can be designed to match the style of the existing property, although there is a growing trend for houses to have contemporary extensions made from timber and glass which embrace the garden and provide bright, modern interiors.

How long will it take?

An extension could take approximately 3 - 6 months depending on size and complexity.

Maybe your existing home is large enough but needs redesigned to optimise the spaces. Some minor internal alterations can improve the way a home works for you. The addition of an en- suite or reconfiguring the internal layout can maximise the full potential of your home without the cost of an extension or loft conversion.

The removal of a wall and changing the kitchen layout could create that open plan kitchen/diner of which you have always dreamed.

With uncertainty in the current housing market moving may not be the best option so take the time now to reshape your home to suit the way you and your family live while also adding value to your property.

Located at Spylaw Street, Colinton, MDA Studio is an architectural practice established by local resident David Moore. David is a fully qualified Chartered Architect who provides a personal architectural service to homeowners in an easy to understand, client focused manner. Whatever your project, David can personally guide you through the process from the initial design ideas to completion of the works. Building projects can be a stressful affair if the correct professionals are not on board. Having an Architect by your side who is both professional and friendly can make all the difference. The first consultation is free and held in your home at a time that suits you. You can discuss with David in detail how you and your family use your home and what you hope to achieve.

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Early Visual Development Back to work after maternity leave Clare Downes (of Downes Opticians, Leith) shares here experiences as a new mummy and the chaos and insecurities it brings.

I am very lucky to be the Mummy of a bouncing handful of joy. As Harrison is now 9 months I am in the throws of crawling, climbing, clambering and general chaos.

The very early days of Motherhood are not, as yet, a distant memory and I can vividly recall the worry and panic that everything little thing I did would influence how Harrison would develop; how much fresh air would make him sleep all night? What foods would make him grow to be in the rugby team but also give him enough omega 3 to be a genius?

Should he go to nursery, a child-minder or a nanny?

There is a whole lot of pressure on a new Mum and a whole lot of advice - some useful, some not.

Today I would just like to provide some reassurance about your child’s early visual development.

Unequal Pupil Sizes

Who Is Best To Check Your Baby’s Eyes?

I mention this first as this occurred in Harrison and caused me to panic. It also resulted in him having his first eye examination at 7 months. Unequal pupil sizes can have serious consequences, however after a thorough eye examination and a further chat with an ophthalmologist (eye specialist) chum I was put at ease. Surprisingly this is as common as 1 in 3 babies. Around 6 months the part of the brain controlling pupil reactions is under significant development and can result in asymmetric pupils for a period of time.

Discussing any concerns with your health visitor is extremely important and your GP will be able to determine whether further investigation by the eye hospital is required however the best placed and equipped individual would be your Optician (or Optometrist as we are now known) ideally one with a knowledge and interest in Children’s vision. Your Optometrist will have the most up to date equipment and access for direct correspondence with the specialists at the eye hospital and direct referral to a specialist should this be required.

If you have noticed unequal sizes in your child this should be assessed to rule out any serious conditions.

Squinting At first their eyes will not coordinate and you will often suspect a squint. By 2 months they should be able to coordinate their eyes better as their binocular system is now formed. The growth of their eyelids/bridge of their nose can be also be asymmetric imitating a squint.

An actual squint is however of great importance and the earlier it is diagnosed the better therefore if you have any suspicion and/or there is a family history of a squint it would be best to have your child assessed.

Colour Change The majority of irises will be substantiated by 9 months but they can change up to one year. With the majority of change occurring between 6 to 9 months. If you notice any darker areas/ irregularities in colour in your child’s iris this should be assessed.

If you can see white inside the pupil of your child’s eye this must be assessed ASAP.

Asymmetry If one of your babies’ eyes appears significantly bigger or smaller than the other this is something that requires prompt investigation.

COME AND BOUNCE AROUND AT EDINBURGH’S

ONLY TRAMPOLINE, ACTIVITY & PARTY CENTRE

Unit 2-3, 109 Restalrig Road, Edinburgh EH6 7NY Tel: 0131 553 7676 www.clownaround.me.uk 10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

We are very fortunate that eye examinations are free for all in Scotland, as they are funded by the NHS. Therefore you should not be embarrassed about wasting an Optometrists time for even the tiniest of concerns about your child (of any age) eyes or vision. The majority of Optometrists would be happy to be of assistance and offer reassurance.

Children and Parents are often nervous about coming to the Optometrist, naturally afraid of the worst or the unknown, but in the majority of cases all is well. At Downes Opticians we aim to make the experience fun for the children and we always explain our findings clearly to the parents so they are fully informed, you can never ask too many questions in our opinion!

On this note I would like to introduce our new Optometrist at Downes Opticians, Linda Quinn is also a Paediatric Optician at the Eye Hospital in Edinburgh and with two children of her own she is a great addition to our family based practice. Linda has joined our team to allow me to do both of my loves being a Mummy and an Optometrist.

If you have any concerns about anything no matter how small please feel free to contact us on 0131 553 5358 or via our website www.downesopticians.com. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

2

Parent Parent JP is Dad to William 6 months old, and lives in Clermiston with his wife, and William's Mother, Hazel.

Playdays Nursery School Now in New Premises

Favourite shop: Going to Jack & Jill Markets, he likes to see lots of people and we always come away with something nice for him at a great price Favourite park: We like going to the Botanic Gardens, William really enjoys the flowers and there is a cafe with changing facilities.

• • • • • • • • •

Private day care nursery Friendly loving care for your child Experienced and qualified staff Open 8 am – 6pm Children from 3 months – 5years Pre-School funding available – childcare vouchers accepted Large outdoor play area approx 200 sq metres Large soft play Experienced nursery operators for 12 years

Favourite children’s club / class: It has to be Dads Rock, it gives both me and William the chance to mingle with other Dads and children, plus it's free!

4 East Suffolk Road, Edinburgh EH16 5PJ

Favourite day out: Going to Edinburgh Zoo, we visit quite regularly as we have an Annual Membership.

iplaydays@hotmail.co.uk

0131 662 0010

Favourite child friendly restaurant: The Ratho Park Carvery, staff are always friendly.

They supply highchairs and there is a childrens play area in the Restaurant as well as a Play Park outside.

Proudest eco-friendly moment: We don't have a car so we use a lot of public transport or do a lot of walking, therefore cutting down on carbon emissions.

Best planet saving tip: When packet of baby wipes are open, after using them, turn the packet upside down. This keeps the wipes moist, therefore reducing the amount of dry wipes getting disposed of and wasted.

No parent should be without: A rain cover for buggies or prams as there is always a chance of rain in Scotland!

Parenting pet hates: Feeling awkward when going to parent talks as most times I am the only male there.

A fun mix of performing arts classes for children aged 1 to 5, designed to help little personalities shine.

Most embarrassing moment (with child): Probably a time when in church, having William pass-wind very loudly at a quiet interval when the priest said hello to the congregation.

• Nursery/Playgroup/Toddler group classes.

Request a free trial class for children at your nursery, playgroup, or toddler group.

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): Getting smiles and giggles from William, it doesn't matter how down I can be feeling, that always cheers me up.

• Parent/Child Classes.

Wednesdays and Fridays(9.15am & 10am).

At the Myreside Club at George Watson's College

Funniest comment (from child): William isn't speaking at the moment, but we have lots of giggles and blowing raspberries at inappropriate times.

• Sparkle Arts parties! A magical time for 2 - 12 year olds

Favourite family holiday spot: We spend a lot of time in a family house down at St Abbs in the Borders. There is a large garden where William likes to look at the flowers and there is a swimming pool in Eyemouth which is close-by and he has a lot of fun there.

Best children’s book: The Bravest Bear by Alan Ahlberg & Paul Howard. One of my favourites also, its really funny.

Best DVD: Childrens Cult Classics - a DVD of programmes such as Dangermouse, Count Duckula, Chortle & the Wheelies, Rainbow and Jamie & the Magic Torch, all programs I grew up with!

Most played with toys: William is never far away from Sophie le Giraffe and his Olympic Mascot 'Wenlock'.

Why you like living where you do: We like the convenience of being able to get buses to all over Edinburgh, and the fact that there is so much to do and places to go like the Zoo, Gorgie Farm, the Museum and even the beach.

Dads Rock run two Saturday playgroups a week, one at Gate55 Sighthill and one at The Prentice Centre, Granton.

Both are free and open to any Dad (and male carers) from 10-11.30am. Free play, art stuff, snack, story time and music time.

You can find out more about Dads Rock Antenatal as well as Dads Rock Academy check out their blog: http://dadsrock.blogspot.co.uk/ Spread the word, Dads Rock!

As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge – if you would like to share your favourite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

frugal food for families

by menus4mums

With many families throwing away a quarter of the food they buy, one clear way to save money is by cutting our grocery bills. Menus4Mums has these great 10 tips on being more frugal with food without cutting back on quality.

Tip 1: Meal Plan: The number one way to lower your food bill is to plan before you buy.

That means deciding on what your family will eat for the week and using that to build your shopping list. Check your freezer and cupboards first in case you already have some food you could use up. Then follow our tips below to make your plan super-smart!

Tip 8: Go Veggie: A significant cost of most dinners is the meat, so eating just one vegetarian meal per week could reduce your costs. What about a vegetarian pasta bake, Spanish omelette, or a vegetable casserole?

Once your family is used to one veggie meal per week, you could always sneak in a second...

Tip 2: Cook From Scratch: Using processed and pre-made food really pushes up your bill. If your family likes a Saturday night takeaway, save at least £20 by making the pizza or curry instead. And cook one main meal for the whole family, taking out portions for small children before adding salt and strong spices.

Tip 9: Breakfast & Lunch: What you put in your trolley for these meals will also affect your final bill. For example, if your kids like sugary Coco Pops, that works out at 20p per 30g serving plus milk, whereas you can get 1kg of healthy porridge oats for just £1, working out at an incredible 4p per 40g serving plus milk. Likewise, if you buy pots of fresh soup from supermarkets for lunch you can easily spend £4 for 4 people, yet you could make a tasty vegetable soup for just £1-1.50. With lunchboxes, think about swapping pre-made snack items for more basic alternatives, eg an apple instead of a “fruit bar”, a lump of cheese instead of cheesestrings.

Tip 3: Batch Cook: On your meal plan, see where you could batch cook by cooking double the amount and freezing a dinner for later. That enables you to take full advantage of special offers on meat, plus it uses less energy (and your time!) Good dinners for batch cooking are stews, Bolognese sauce, and chilli-con-carne.

Tip 4: Use Up Leftovers: Could you make a roast chicken on Sunday and use the leftovers for risotto or a stir-fry on Monday?

If you cook too much pasta, could you stir in a little pesto and turn into lunch the next day with some cooked meat, cheese or salad items? And don’t forget you can freeze lots of foods – but do label them first.

Tip 5: Think Seasonal: Stick where you can to home-grown fruit and veg – the strawberries in the shops in January and February are yuck anyway! Out-of-season vegetables (eg beans) are often much cheaper frozen.

Tip 6: Use Cheaper Alternatives: We’re not advocating feeding your family low- quality food. Instead, choosing different food can significantly lower your bill. For example, turkey breast is cheaper than chicken breast fillet, Similarly, lean beef mince is more expensive than lean turkey thigh mince which makes delicious bolognese. Frozen fish is really good value too.

Tip 10: Puddings: If you’re in the habit of buying puddings, try making simple yet cheap desserts such as banana custard, baked apple, rice pudding or semolina (a 500g bag of semolina costs 89p and will last ages).

We hope that has given you food for thought (pun intended!). Why not see if you can save £20 off your shopping bill this week? Over a month that is £80 saved, and £960 over a year..... And if you need any help or inspiration for meal planning, do check us out. Menus4Mums is a fabulous online family meal planning service for busy parents. Members get a new meal plan each week for dinners the whole family will enjoy, with recipe cards and a super-handy shopping list broken down into supermarket aisles. The meals take advantage of supermarket special offers to keep grocery bills down. All this from £6.95 for four weeks. Visit www.menus4mums.co.uk for more information and to download a FREE one week sample menu plan.

Tip 7: Slow Cook: If you have a slow cooker gathering dust, get it out and make some deliciously warming stews. Slow cooking actually works better with cheap cuts of meat such as stewing steak.

Win a 6 month subscription to Menus4Mums!

The winner will receive 6 months of weekly updated meal plans based around quality offers at the supermarket and should save a heap of money! Enter online at

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers 12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

Lothian Dance Academy Nicole Diamond is founder of The Jack & Jill Market, Scotland’s quality nearly-new baby & kids market where Smart Mums Sell and Save. To help have a super saver year here are three of her top tips!

1. PLAN AHEAD. How often do you get to the weekends with nothing scheduled and end up spending far too much on pricey days out with hard-to-please youngsters? Set aside time during the week to browse what’s-on listings and find plenty of fab FREE events. Pack a lunch and you could be enjoying family days out during the year for virtually nothing!

2. CLEAR OUT & CASH IN. Recent research suggests that families can have up to £1000 worth of useable but unused items sitting in their cupboards. Don’t leave that money sitting there gathering dust. Sell them either online or at nearly-new markets and release the cash locked up in them to reinvest in what your family now need.

2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello and Gracemount Leisure Centre

Pre-school Ballet & Tap Modern Jazz & Tap Boogie Kids Streetdance/Hip Hop Musical Theatre Song & Dance RAD Ballet Grades to Advanced 2YRS - ADULT

Tel: 0131 669 9073

www.lothiandance.com

3. SAVE ON NEARLY-NEW PRICES. You can save up to 90% off the retail price by buying nearly-new – and it’s great for the environment! Many items for sale on the nearly-new market are in excellent condition and often barely used. You can save a fortune on family items by shopping at quality nearly-new markets. Shop Smartly, Spent Less, and Save! www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

FIVE

things you need to know about the changes to Child Benefit

1. Child Benefit is not being stopped for high earners.

Anyone receiving Child Benefit, regardless of their income, is entitled to carry on receiving it. But from 7 January 2013, high earners may have to pay a tax charge on any Child Benefit payments they or their partner receive. This applies whether they’re married or not.

Edinburgh/Lothians 07940 559135

HQ Fife 01383 62 45 99

2. The tax charge increases in line with your income. For every £100 of income you or your partner have between £50,000 and £60,000, there is a tax charge of 1% of your total Child Benefit. Once your annual income is £60,000 or more, the tax charge is equal to the Child Benefit payments. It’s the higher earner who pays the tax.

3. Your income is based on your adjusted net income. Even if you or your partner have an income of £50,000 a year or more, you may find that the tax charge doesn’t apply.

This is because the tax charge is based on your adjusted net income. This is your income less any payments you make to a pension scheme, donations to charity through Gift Aid and reductions due to membership of salary sacrifice schemes (such as childcare vouchers and the cycle to work scheme). You could even consider increasing payments to your pension, for example, to bring your annual adjusted net income down.

4. You can choose to keep or stop receiving Child Benefit. If you or your partner’s adjusted net income is over £60,000, it could make sense to stop receiving Child Benefit as the tax charge will wipe out any financial gain to you and you won’t have to complete a tax return. But if you don’t know exactly how much your income will be, or you’re under the £60,000 threshold, it’s best to carry on getting it.

5. If you decide to keep Child Benefit, you’ll have to do a tax return.

If either you or your partner has an adjusted net income of £50,000 or more then the highest earner must complete a tax return, declaring the Child Benefit as income. It’s that person’s responsibility to make sure they’re registered for self-assessment by 6 October 2013 or they’ll face a penalty. They then have until 31 October 2013 to file their return with HMRC (or 31 January 2014 if filing online).

MoneyVista is a personal finance website that helps you take control of your money. You can build your own financial plan to see the shape of your finances today and into the future and also look at ways to improve them.

To find out more about MoneyVista visit www.moneyvista.com/families

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

How to have your best family holiday ever:

our top ten secrets Joanna Moorhead, who has been planning her family’s holidays for the last 20 years, shares her insider tips to help you plan for a summer to remember in 2013 Fantastic family holidays don’t just happen. They’re crafted, often by hours of work from one or both parents, who spend endless amounts of time planning, plotting, budgeting and making sure safety nets are in place to stop hiccups becoming disasters.

So how do you do it? Here are our top ten secrets.

1. Don’t cut corners. To get the right holiday, you may have to spend a long time on research. Don’t begrudge this time, and don’t expect the perfect holiday to fall into your lap without it: after your mortgage, your car and (if you’re paying them) your child’s school or university costs, the money you spend on your holiday is your biggest outlay. So doing the homework matters. Start with a list of what sort of holiday you’re looking for – the location you’re after, what facilities you need close by, what sort of accommodation you need, how far it needs to be from the airport, and so on. Give yourself parameters, and then get googling. Keep a list of possible resorts/villas/hotels; whittle it down to a shortlist; and then make a decision.

2. Don’t expect a bargain. Far better to start from the premise that you’ll get what you pay for. Look for the best deal, the best quality that you can possibly afford: but if somewhere seems a lot cheaper than other places, scrutinise it very carefully indeed.

3. Space is crucial. You know those places that say ‘sleep 4/6’ and turn out, on closer inspection, to have a pull-down bed in the sitting room? Avoid them (at full capacity) like the plague. Squeezing as many people as possible in is fine for students, less good for grown-ups. You want a bit of luxury on holiday – and space is luxurious.

4. Location, location, location. Just as when you’re buying a house, this is your number one priority. Some of the villas I’ve looked at for my family’s holiday this year are twice the price of others, simply because of where they are. And guess what: I can understand why. On holiday I want a great view and shops and restaurants we can walk to. If you’ve got younger children, a beach within walking distance may be your number one location priority. Know what you need, and don’t settle for less.

5. Friends matter, so think very carefully about who to holiday with. However close you are, nothing scratches away at a friendship’s weakest points as much as sharing two weeks together. You think you know that couple, and you think you like their kids? Take it from me, you’re going to know a lot more about them, and you may have totally reassessed their kids, by the flight home.

6. Be honest about the sort of experience you want. Holidays aren’t times to be aspirational, or eyeing up the Joneses, or following the in-crowd. They’re about being honest about how you’d really love to spend a fortnight with your family – and who cares what anyone else might think. You don’t need anyone else’s approval, or envy, for the holiday you choose: what this is about is working out what’s right for your family, and making it happen.

7. Once you’re there, alternate busy days with quiet ones. Even if you’re a busy, boisterous, action-packed family, everyone needs some downtime. The easiest, simplest way to make sure you get both busy days and more relaxed ones is simply to alternate them. If you went to a water park yesterday, relax by the pool today. If you went fell-walking yesterday, read a book and have a cream tea today.

Overloading is the enemy of a good holiday.

8. Don’t over-plan: have ideas, but leave space to be open to what you find when you get there. It’s well worth doing some research about the area you’ll be staying in – essential, in fact – but it’s a mistake to plan every dot and comma of your stay before you even touch down. You want to explore, to discover, to be surprised, to make friends – and all these things will only happen if you’ve left the space for them to unfold. So, for as much knowledge as you’ve learned beforehand, always be flexible about what you’re going to find out, and want to do, when you actually get there.

9. Embrace change: as your family grows up, be ready to move on to new destinations and new experiences. For three years running my family had wonderful holidays in a hilltop villa in inland, northern Mallorca. It was perfect for us: but by the third year it was obvious my older daughters needed something more: shops, places to hang out, a beach they could walk to. I was desperately unhappy about giving up the villa: but guess what? The following year I found somewhere even better.

10. Set boundaries. It might be a holiday, but rules ensure everyone – especially the parents – get a break. If your children are younger, those rules might be about bedtime (you need some time with your partner, so letting your kids stay up all evening might not be the best move), or about time for the children to go to the creche; if your children are older, the rules might be about sharing the washing up, or about how much contact you need to have with them through the day. But put your rules in place, because then everyone can relax and have what they came to do: have a wonderful fortnight away.

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

Where to go...Charante Martime The kids have fun and parents can relax and enjoy the peace at La Garenne family friendly gites.

6 stylish gites fully equipped for a fantastic family holiday.

Each one has a patio facing the communal walled garden with a fantastic wooden wendy house, toys, climbing tree, tree swings, slides, and trampoline. The large pool and the small toddler and baby pool are both heated and securely fenced with child safe lock.

The children have freedom to run around and have fun while parents have a chance to relax and enjoy the sun, a book, good food etc. There are lots of activities at La Garenne such as kids club for the over 3’s, craft activity for the 2- 5 year olds, pottery painting classes and welcome BBQ. You can also book babysitting if you want to go out.

Arrivals meal can be ordered making your travel much easier and during the week you can order a delicious 3 course meal. The weather is warm through out May – October as this region is the second sunniest in France.

If you don’t fancy driving airports near by are Poitiers, La Rochelle and Bordeaux. Airlines such as easyjet, flybe, BA and ryanair all fly to these destinations from as low as £100 return. Change over day is Saturday. Discounts are available on some weeks in May, June and September. For more details please contact Dorte on dorte@triliving.co.uk or visit www.livingfrance.org Please quote “Families” when enquiring.

Kb-Insights: Helping Children To Succeed Kb-Insights offer a range of services aimed at enhancing learning and potential to support children in overcoming barriers to learning.

Reading and writing problems, dyslexia, dyspraxia, poor listening and concentration skills, speech and language delay, AD(H)D, poor fine motor skills, low self esteem, auditory processing difficulties, poor social skills.

More information about the various interventions available at www.kb-insights.co.uk Email: karen@kb-insights.co.uk or call 07837 930714

Where to go...the Alps The Alps are much too good to save for your skiing holidays – in fact, those who’ve tried the area summer and winter often say summer is the best time to be there. For a wonderful family Alpine holiday, you’ll be hardpressed to improve on the Chilly Powder formula – choose from a luxurious hotel or a villa, all set in a biscuit-tin picture-perfect location, complete with in-chalet childcare and – for the foodies – an in-chalet chef. Sports on offer include white water rafting, rock- climbing, trekking, tennis and summer tobogganing (which is one of the most fun summer sports I’ve ever tried, and kids adore it). Prices vary depending on what sort of package you’re after, but as a for- instance, Chalet des Amis (three bedrooms; sleeps up to eight) is £1,200 in the midsummer. More information at www.chillypowder.com

Where to go...north Devon Devon is one of the UK’s most popular holiday destinations, and for good reason: wonderful beaches, plenty to do (even in the rain), beautiful scenery and a wide choice of where to stay. Libbear Barton, a country estate on the north side of the county, hits just the right note of luxury (beamed cottages that are beautifully laid out and furnished) and has everything on hand, from stairgates to babysitters, for the hard-pressed family. There’s an indoor pool, games room, play areas inside and out, fishing lake and woods – all on a rolling, 40-acre estate, and with the sea a half hour’s drive away. Perfect for big families or families holidaying together – the farmhouse sleeps up to 14. Prices vary, but for example Moley’s Place, sleeping eight in four bedrooms, costs around £1,700 a week in high summer. More information at www.libbearbarton.co.uk

Superb gite complex in France...

...specialising in family holidays.

Parents it is time to relax and enjoy the sun.

We have thought of it all for you: • Babysitting • Baby equipment • Playground with play house, climbing frame and outdoor toys • Free craft activity for the under 5's • Kids club ( 3's +) • Pottery Painting • Arrivals meal and weekly food options • Free wifi For further information visit www.livingfrance.org email: dorte@triliving.co.uk

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

ne of my children has a birthday in December so when I put this birthday party guide together it is usually with a slight party hangover (and by that I don’t mean I was knocking back the wine...tempting though that would have been). It’s just that at the time of writing the memory of the birthday sleepover with 7 of their friends is still VERY fresh, the juice cartons are still waiting to be recycled and I’m still not entirely sure what that stubborn sticky patch on the floor is. But rather than being able to say “Never again” I know there’s another one to start planning for all too soon!

O

And that is where these

Do’s and Don’t of put together by Sarah Butters will come in very handy.

DO plan early If you think you can book your first choice entertainer and venue a fortnight before your child’s party, think again. The best people and places are fully booked months in advance and if they’re not, ask yourself why not. It’s a question I wish I had posed the year I left it late and introduced a knife juggling circus act to my 4 year old. It’s not a mistake I made twice.

DO consider a joint party Instead or entering into a ‘Who can get the invite out first’ race with other parents, join forces and funds. If your child has a friend whose birthday falls around the same time, why not organise a party together. If you’re going to invite the same group of friends and even opt for the same sort of party, this is a great option that halves the cost and the stress. Make sure you and your party partner are clear about the planning and the expectations.

DON’T let your child decide the guest list If you let your little one take charge of who they’re inviting, they’ll leave out the friend they’ve fallen out with in the playground. Up to the age of 7, it’s best to stick to either a full class party, or one where you simply invite all the girls, or all the boys. Tempting as it is to leave out the class troublemaker or the girl who leaves your daughter out, this is an approach that will only cause future heartache. A party invite not sent, is a party invite not received. Teach your child to be inclusive. For nursery aged children and over 7s, it’s fine to be selective.

DON’T be afraid to chase late replies Experience has taught me that parents who don’t respond within the first few days of an invite either haven’t received it, or have forgotten. Give yourself a helping hand by putting an RSVP date on the invite. After that, don’t be afraid to ‘remind’ via text or over a pick up time chat in the playground. For those replies that never arrive, and there will be some, head to your party venue armed with some extra food and a few unmarked party bags. Don’t let the unexpected guests catch you out!

DO check for allergies In a group of 20 children, chances are there will be some allergies, and some children who can’t eat certain food for religious reasons. Don’t presume parents will inform you.

Ask about allergies when you know who is coming along.

DON’T over cater You are feeding a group of children not an army of starving soldiers. Appetites shrink as excitement builds so there is no need to provide a smorgasbord of sandwiches. Stick to the tried and tested trio of party favourites – ham, jam and cheese. Throw in a selection of crisps and a couple of bowls of grapes, cucumber sticks and tomatoes. Forget leftovers. Peckish parents will clear the plates, often while their children are still eating.

DO consider your party date It’s heartbreaking to receive a steady stream of ‘nos’ after you’ve spent weeks securing an entertainer and a venue on a particular date. Give yourself half a chance by avoiding key dates, like Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day, and religious holidays such as Easter Saturday and Yom Kippur. Parents tend to jet off on holiday as soon as school’s out, or just before term begins again so avoid weekends at either end of the school holidays.

DON’T invite too many children This is a mistake you’ll only make once. 30 children and 30 parents will fill even the most generous village hall. Add a bouncy castle and some uninvited siblings and you are nearly on riot watch.

© Mothercare/ELC ‘Little Bird by Jools’

DON’T obsess over 5 a day There are certain things you can depend on. If you’re having a party in your garden, it will rain. If you’ve made 15 party bags, 17 children will turn up and ALL of your carefully cut cucumber, tomatoes and grapes will remain untouched on the table by the end of the party tea. Be honest. You only put them out to make sure the Annabel Karmel Fan Club in the corner didn’t fall out with you. Remember that it’s one meal, on one day and if all the birthday boy eats is a handful of Hula Hoops, a Jam Sandwich and a pack of smarties then so what? You can force feed him broccoli for breakfast tomorrow.

DON’T make it too long The length of your party is very much dependent on the age of your children. But there is one consistent rule. Make sure you put a finish time on your invites. Our party experts say one hour of entertainment is about as much as the average 2-4 year old can take, followed by half an hour for food and farewells. You can increase that to a two hour party once children turn 5 years old. From experience once kids have their party bags they are pretty much ready to leave!

DO party bags Usually found in the back of your car a week after the party, just as the buttercream icing from the napkin wrapped cake is going rancid. But woe betide the mum who thinks she’s above a party bag. It’s a sure fire way to get your guests sobbing as they leave. Don’t fight it, simply be creative and accept that simplicity is the key.

And if you want to impress by being the ultimate organised mum, include a pre prepared thank you note. Bribing a child to write notes is easier when there’s the threat of a lost party on the horizon.

DO enjoy it There are times during the planning you will find this the most absurd piece of advice.

How on earth can you expect to enjoy it? Remember that this is one of those ‘gone too quickly’ milestones and if you don’t press the pause button and enjoy the sight of your child laughing with the entertainer or bouncing with his friends then the stress simply isn’t worth it. When the balloons have burst and the cake is just crumbs, it’s those memories that will make you do it all again next year!

And finally.....DO turn over the page and read our new and completely up to date, bursting at the seams Great Big Birthday Party Guide!

Yet again I am green with envy at the squillion ways our kids can choose to celebrate their birthdays.

I started off trying to put the parties into neat little categories...but that soon went out the window (CSI parties were my first stumbling block). Between head scratches and sighs (...visiting Concorde?!).... I have come to the conclusion that there is a tough job ahead of you no matter how I list all these fantastic party options - my giving them headings of Arty, or Active, Musical or Messy is not going to make your decision any easier.

I think the only heading that covers them all is AMAZING (but I’ve listed them in A - Z form too!) Good luck!

Birthday Parties

Ceramic Painting, Café & Soft Play Area

Why not pop in to paint some ceramics and let the children burn off energy in our soft play. We are the perfect venue for birthday parties, school outings, Cubs, Brownies and Hen parties. We have hundreds of ceramics to choose from for some painting fun and there is no need to book.

theceramicexperienceedinburgh Open 7 days a week from 10am - 5.30pm

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It’s our all new, completely up to date and bursting at the seams

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Birthday Party Almond Valley Heritage Centre Acres of fun and leave the tidying up to us! The birthday package costs only £ 8.50 per child for a minimum of 10 children. This includes a supply of birthday invitations, admission to Almond Valley and Mill Farm with free admission for all adults helping at the party, exclusive use of a party room for 2 hours with tape/CD player and party CDs and a choice of traditional or healthy eating birthday tea. Also tractor and trailer ride, disposable tableware, hooters, helium balloons and a badge plus a soft play session in "Morag's Meadow". We can also supply goody boxes for the children @ £ 3.00 each and various catering options for adults too, from a flask or tea/ coffee to a cold buffet. Free parking and easily accessed off M8.

Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR. Call – 01506 414 957

The Amazone Soft Play at The Kabin, Loanhead

Our purpose built jungle themed soft play area houses a three level play frame and toddler area, so your child and friends can celebrate their big day with us at The Kabin’s Amazone soft play centre, enjoying 1 hour on the soft play followed by 45 minutes for food and unlimited squash in their own private play area. *Food and drink options starting at £6.95 per child *Sundays - exclusive use of the soft play for parties with 25 or over * Sundays - £35 additional payment to ensure exclusive use for parties of 10 children minimum. *Minimum party number 10; maximum party number 32, height restrictions apply. To book a party, please contact us on 0131 440 2541. Looking for something different? Other themed parties include Recording studio, Cinema, Bouncy Castle, & Disco parties. If you’ve got an idea, we can deliver!

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Angel Designs – Beading parties We offer jewellery-making parties where children are shown how to make their very own beaded jewellery such as bracelets or necklaces. Children love choosing from our range of beads of all shapes, sizes and colours. Imagine how proud they’ll be to show you what they’ve made. And they get to take their creation home in a box which they’ve decorated. Plus they leave with a party bag. Little Angels parties are perfect for birthdays. Parties are suitable for children aged 5 years plus. A minimum of 6 children is required for each party. We hold the party in your home or we can travel to a venue of your choice. Classes are adjusted according to the level of the group and their interests. Children of all ages can enjoy our jewellery making parties. So for a stress free party contact either Justine 07933764731 or Lynn 07877149487 for more details or visit us www.angeldesignsjewellery.co.uk. Email info@angeldesignsjewellery.co.uk

art room 32 Arty Parties!

Creative parties for children who fancy something just a bit different. Parties for up to 10 children can be held here in the art room or alternatively, I can bring the arty fun to a venue of your choice in Edinburgh. Activities can be tailored to suit the birthday boy or girl and although I have put down a few ideas, the possibilities are endless! We can have a themed party (favourite animals/characters/books/films etc), make jewellery, keep-sake boxes, model-making, t-shirt printing, masks, decopatch animals, paintings....anything arty or crafty is possible. Forget party bags! Your children will be making their own fantastic creations to take home as a memento of a great day. With full Disclosure in place, you can rest assured your own little creation is safe, happy and maybe just a little bit messy. 32 Madeira Street, EH6 4AL. For more information please call Louise: 0131 553 6798/07931 513 815.

Email: info@artroom32.co.uk or check out website: www.artroom32.co.uk find me on: facebook.com/artroom32

A-Star Sports

A-Star Sports parties offer fun-filled and inclusive games for everyone. For children 3+ years, our parties focus on fast paced and fun games that keep children engaged from start to finish with vibrant creativity and a wide range of equipment for tiny hands. For children 7+ years, we offer sports-based and/or themed parties for an action-packed multi- sports adventure and families can choose to have activities from our range of ten core sports: Basketball * Hockey * Cricket * Rounders * Dodgeball * Rugby * Football * Tennis * Handball * Volleyball. For high energy, all-round active entertainment children can invite a small group of friends through to the entire class* for the most memorable active and sporty occasion. Just remember to tell all your guests to bring lots of energy and put their fast shoes on! *Subject to venue size and chosen activities. Contact no 0845 459 2210 or email alister.ramm@a-starsports.co.uk or brian.droudge@a-starsports.co.uk

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Beano the clown In my clowning, I use magic, music, juggling and balloon modeling. My shows are in one or two hours, for the under 5s or the over 5s. Children become the magicians, everybody participates, each child gets a balloon. The birthday boy gets a motorcycle with five balloons and the birthday girl a Tweety Bird on a perch. With the under 5s, we play two songs on the guitar, do magic with a puppet and finish with the balloons. In the two hour show, we play games after the magic and balloons. I also have a show for toddlers.

I also have a theatre show and a street show, which is in the Festival every year. As seen on GMTV and Nickelodeon. I am a member of Equity and Clowns International and have a CRB check. Tel: 07948-070 569 Website: Beano.theclown.free.fr (without www)

The Ceramic Experience

The ceramic experience is the perfect venue for children's birthday parties –the partygoers can burn off energy in our soft play and ball pool, before painting ceramics to take home. Adults can join in the fun or chill out in our cafe area. Parties are £12 a head for 1 and a half hours of fun.

We have 4 party slots per day 10.00-11.30, 12.00-13.30, 14.00-15.30 and 16.00-17.30 and we can cater for parties’ sizes from 6 to 22. Our party buffet consists of sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, crisps, fruit and juice and we do all the clearing up afterwards - what could be better!

All we ask if for a £20 deposit which is redeemable on the day and you will only be charged for the number of children attending on the day. *BOOK A BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ANY TIME IN 2013 AND THE BIRTHDAY CHILD WILL GO FREE WITH PRESENTATION OF THIS VOUCHER* The Ceramic Experience, Ocean Drive, Leith – 0131 554 4455

Clown Around – Soft Play, Trampoline & Party Centre

A fantastic family run venue to hold your child’s special day. Parties are our speciality but you can also just drop in for a play session, where children can run off some excess energy on our large trampolines, have fun in our large softplay climbing frame or have a quick chill out in our new sensory room. Even the little ones have their very own softplay area.

You will then have exclusive use of our large decorated party room (complete with music and disco lights) where the birthday child is treated like royalty, sitting on a throne with a tiara/crown. Your own party co-ordinator will ensure everything runs smoothly. Hot and cold food options available.

Suitable for children up to 10 years, prices from just £6.50 per child (min 10 children). Parties last 1 hour and 45 minutes. *NEW! Ultra violet Trampoline Zone! Exclusive venue hire is available - Please call Julie on 07976053690 for further details.

Open 7 days 10am - 5.45pm (last entry 4.45pm) 109, Restalrig Road, Edinburgh, EH6 7NY. Call 0131 553 7676 to book your party now. www.clownaround.me.uk

Corn Exchange

Brand new children’s birthday packages at the Corn Exchange, featuring a new party plus package, Refurbished party room complete with brand new party tables and chairs.

Party plus package features Edinburgh’s famous Luca’s Ice cream, new range of party bag including all sorts of different toys to keep children entertained for hours and a complete rebranding of our popular miniature footballs! For full details on all our party packages visit our website or give us a call on 0131 443 0404 www.worldoffootball.com www.worldofbowling.com

Big Birthday Party Guide

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CSI Parties for Kid Detectives Stuck for an idea for your child’s party?

ComputerXplorers has the answer. We are offering unique and tailor made children’s parties for budding detectives. From fingerprinting and hair analysis to facial photo fits using the latest software. Your children will have all the necessary skills to don their investigator suits and solve the crime. A crime scene within their very own home or party venue! CSI Parties are suitable for children aged 6 – 12 and include a CSI party bag. Party bags include: Police evidence bag * Crime scene tape * Fingerprinting certificates * Note book and pencil.

CSI investigation suits are also available to buy as a souvenir to take home.

“Thank you for a wonderful party. From solving a crime scene to taking their finger prints and doing photo fits it was perfect. I would highly recommend this.”

ComputerXplorers also run technology After School Clubs, Workshops and Summer Camps in everything from Video Game Design to Lego Robotics.

For more information see www.sescotland.computerxplorers.co.uk, email info@sescotland.computerxplorers.co.uk or call 0131 6530580

Doodle & Splat

Give your child a party to remember with Doodle & Splat. We combine our free play areas which include, play doh, rubbing plates, chalk boards, colouring pictures plus trays with shaving foam, slime, rice, sand along with 2 organised art & craft activities, allowing your child and their friends to have great fun exploring their creative side, be it painting ceramic figures, decorating trinket boxes or treasure chests, making birthday crowns or having lots of messy fun. Parties can be customised to your individual childs needs. By the end of the party all the children will all be able to take home their individual masterpieces - a wonderful lasting memory of the party!

Parties are designed for 2-8 year olds and will last for over an hour, where all materials, floor coverings, aprons and cleanup are provided. Parties can he held at home, in the garden (weather dependent!) or at a venue of your choice! For more details on our parties contact us at doodle@doodleandsplat.co.uk or 0794 282 5114 or www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

Choose any backing track of your choice One FUN FILLED hour in the studio - we ALSO photograph the whole event

Kids Recording Studio Parties From only £15.00pp

You are free to bring along your own food and drink Call us now on 0131 556 4882 or email: info@rmre.co.uk

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Big Birthday Party Guide

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Doodles Doodles offers a great party package in its Marchmont studio. Acrylic painted pottery such as miniature animals, picture frames and other ornaments can be taken home the same day at a cost of £10 per head. Items which need to be food safe, such as mugs or plates cost £11 per head and will be ready for collection or postage after 3 days.

Doodles provides sweets and juice and parents may bring other party food and a birthday cake. Up to 25 children can be accommodated in the studio. Doodles is really a perfect destination for any age to come and party (from 1 upwards). You can also customise your party to suit your budget, for example they could all paint a door plaque or hand print tile for £6 a head. We are always happy to discuss your party ideas with you. We can also offer a take home party in a box kit. All birthday party bookings made in January/ Febuary with a deposit of £25 will be free of VAT! subject to availability. 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 1HQ. 0131 229 1399

The Drama Studio – Themed Children’s Parties

Pick a theme and a drama teacher will organise your party. We can include interactive story making, games, music, dancing, sketches quizzes and much more. Some of our most popular themes are – Medieval, Space, Pirates, Witches and Wizards, Fairies, Jungle and Pop Stars – or we are very happy to design a party around your child’s special interests.Prices start from £80 + VAT. Any numbers can be catered for, ages 3 and upwards. Call 0131 453 3284

Dynam-nic Dance

Does your child LOVE to dance? Whether it’s grooving to Beyonce or moonwalking like Michael Jackson! Whatever your favourite artist or songs may be, DNDance can provide a spectacular dance party for your child's birthday. Dynam-nic will dance and entertain for 1 and a half hours in total at your 2 hour party, pausing for a 30 minute re-fuel for party food! We provide a variety of dance routines, challenges and dance games to your chosen music. Using a mixture of props and costume pieces along with flashing disco lights! With a mini presentation to parents at the end, we can show what moves we put together. All you have to do is decide the date, the time and the venue. You will need an open space such as a dance studio or a church hall, DNDance will provide the entertainment, while parents sit back and relax!

For theme ideas please check out our website at www.dndance.co.uk. To enquire or book a party, email Nicky at nicky@dndance.co.uk

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World

Edinburgh Butterfly & Insect World hold Children's Parties on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10.30am and 1pm (or midweek depending on availability).

Parties last a maximum of 2hrs, include use of the Party Room and a private talk, tour of the attraction and animal handling session for up to 20 children. Party Invitations, Bouncy Castle, Party Lunch Boxes, Personalised Luxury Cake, Party Bags and a sign displayed in our 17ft Burmese Python's tank can all be arranged as part of your party! For further information and costs or to make a booking, please e-mail info@edinburgh- butterfly-world.co.uk or call 0131 663 4932.

Edinburgh Leisure Party

Edinburgh Leisure Party time at the Royal Commonwealth Pool! Organising parties for the little ones is always a big job. That special day only comes once a year, so it needs to be perfect.

With a number of party themes to choose from including; toddler parties, pool parties and a range of 4 options in Clambers softplay - we’ll ensure that your little party prince or princess leaves with a smile on their face! Why not choose from one of our many pre-planned packages or let us help you organise your own tailor made party? Whether it s a full party package you are looking for or you simply want to hire a room, we can help you make it a day to remember.

We have a range of fresh, healthy and tasty catering options available, all the food is prepared freshly by our very own Refresh cafe. Give us a call and let us help you find the right package. www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Edinburgh Zoo

Are you looking for a truly unique birthday venue that will make the kids go wild? Then Edinburgh Zoo is the perfect venue, with a whole host of brand new birthday packages for 2013, there really is something to suit all ages! Please call 0131 314 0336 or email events.edinburghzoo@compass-group.co.uk to make an enquiry or booking.

enjoyleisure

enjoyleisure offers a variety of energetic party options in sports facilities across East Lothian.

Want to get wet? Create a splash by having a pool party. Choose from one of the five swimming pools, including Dunbar Leisure Pool complete with flume and wave machine. Or for the ultimate pool party you can hire an aqua run (a giant inflatable island which sits on the water)!

If you’d rather stay dry, opt for a bouncy castle or trampolining party. For kids with a sense of adventure, let them climb the walls with a party held at the Climbing Wall in Tranent!

Alternatively hire out the sports hall for a variety of indoor sporting activities. For younger children we offer exclusive use of the soft play areas, including Musselburgh Sports Centre’s multi-level Jamboree. There are party options suitable for children from 2 years right up to teenagers, and with a range of catering packages available, enjoyleisure guarantees to deliver a birthday celebration packed full of active fun!

For more information visit www.enjoyleisure.com.

Big Birthday Party Guide

Gambado Gambado is Edinburgh’s premium family indoor play centre and the ultimate party venue. Our fun factories offer a huge play-frame to explore, dedicated toddler area, imagination zone and a climbing wall for the more adventurous.

From that special first birthday to a 10 year olds amazing private hire we have a host of memorable party packages available. Our fantastic Tiger package is suitable for all ages and includes a hot and cold party feast, free adults, invites, thank you cards, balloons, blowers, unlimited sugar free squash and much more! All our parties are hosted by some of the best memory makers in town!

Now just £8.95 per child Monday-Friday and £10.95 at weekend (school holiday prices may vary). And for the cherry on top you can add a host of extras such as themes, a visit from one of our amazing characters, party bags and adult platters. We also host Toddler Cub Parties, specially tailored to children under the age of 4 for just £7.95 per child (Monday- Friday before 2pm, term-time only). Parties can be booked online at www.gambado.com, or call our friendly party booking team on 0844 3759495.

Gulliver’s Toys

Gulliver’s Toys is a little treasure trove for traditional toys and gifts, nestled in busy Bruntsfield. You will find everything you need for your special children’s party in their dedicated party area. They have carefully selected a good range of party invites, tableware, party bags, party bag fillers, small gifts and thank you cards and they can even help you create a themed party.

Their friendly and helpful staff are also on hand to provide some inspiration and help you choose the right gift for any party.

They have traditional and educational toys and gifts ranging from £5 to £20 for boys and girls from birth to ten years. If it’s too cold to venture out then give them a call with your order or shop on line from the comfort of your home and collect in store or have them delivered. Gulliver’s Toys and Gifts, 165b Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh EH10 4DG Tel: 0131 629 9424 www.GulliversToys.co.uk

Honey Pot Ceramics

Parties can last from 1 hour to 2 hours, options include: New* Fairy Party (age 4+) Make your own Sparkling Fairy Door and wand.

Pottery Painting (Age 3+), Messy Play Party (Ages 1-5), Jewellery Party ( Ages 4+) PLUS: Cosmetic Party (Age 4+). Make fabulous cosmetics which can taken home on the same day, including: Soaps, Bath Bombs, Lip Balm, Lip Gloss, Shower Gel and Bath Muffins.

Pirate Party (Age 5+) Children can let their imagination run wild and decorate their own pirate ship or treasure chest with their own swashbuckling design! Prices from £12 per head (+ supplements where appropriate) non-refundable deposit required to secure your booking. Dedicated staff look after your party group to make sure they have a fabulous time. Each Birthday package includes a personalised, decorated ceramic plate which the birthday boy or girl can take home once their friends have signed it for them. Birthday Cake and food can be provided – details on request. Telephone: 0131- 333-6348 For further details: www.honeypotceramics.com

Huggy Bears

Have a bear making party with Huggy Bears no sew bear and animal kits. No sew kits include your chosen bear or animal, individual bag of stuffing, hugs and kisses, birth certificate and full instructions – everything you need to make your new Huggy friend. Plus, each Huggy Bear comes in its own bag so no need for expensive party bags, each child takes home their new furry friend. Optional extras include white bear sized t-shirts perfect for decorating with fabric pens, voice boxes and clothing.

Have a beary fun party from only £5.99 per head. We can provide a party hosting service, or there are lots of party downloads on the website should you prefer to host yourself. Full information available at www.huggybears.co.uk or to discuss your requirements call us on 0844 884 4842.

The Imagination Workshop

Fun and original decopatch craft parties for children in the comfort of your own home. Low- mess, easy to do and lots of fun for girls and boys of all ages - cats, dogs, elephants, dinosaurs, letters, boxes and much much more! Prices start at £10 per head. 07791 529934. nicki@theimaginationworkshop.co.uk, www.theimaginationworkshop.co.uk 136 Marchmont Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1AQ. 0131 466 0148

Jo Jingles Children’s Parties

Jo Jingles offers musical fun parties for babies and children of all ages up to 5 years, held at home or a venue of your choice.

These lively parties include action songs, musical instruments, songs with a parachute, bubbles and other props and of course Jo Jingles will be there! We tailor each party individually and can fit in with your theme and include your child's favourite songs and instruments. Jo Jingles parties are fun and everyone can join in our familiar songs. But don’t just take our word for it, here is what a happy mum says! “party went really well and even kids that don't normally enjoy these types of activities joined in and had a ball! Big thank you again to Joanne as it was a brilliant day” Call Joanne 0131 443 4196 (West Edinburgh and West Lothian) or Susan 0131 620 3282 (East Edinburgh and Midlothian) or Leigh 01875 616607 (East Lothian and Borders)

Kids Bee Happy

Kids Bee Happy Edinburgh South is a fun, new and exciting activity for boys and girls aged 3 years and upwards. It is available for birthday parties as well as many other events. There are many benefits to holding a Kids Bee Happy party. The equipment takes up minimal room and the activity is virtually mess free, so the party can be held in various venues. The children all create a beautiful card which is sealed in a pouch once completed. It can then be hung on a wall at home. It is excellent value for money because party bags are not required as the children get to keep their wonderful and uniquely individual creations.

The children get hands-on and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete 1 card. There are a great selection of cards on offer for all ages and abilities and 12 different brightly coloured sands to choose from. Kids Bee Happy has packages to suit parties of any size. Please contact Claire on Mob: 07508310535 Email: clairep@kidsbeehappy.co.uk Web: www.ed-south.kidsbeehappy.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/KidsBeeHappyEdinburghSouth

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Magic Sand Art Painting • Virtually no mess • Suitable for girls and boys 3 -12 • Suitable for special needs • Perfect for parties • A great way to keep kids entertained For more information contact clairep@kidsbeehappy.co.uk Mob: 07508 310 535 www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk

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Big Birthday Party Guide

Kiss the Fish Celebrate your birthday in creative style with a crafty party at Kiss the Fish Studios. Located in Stockbridge, we have a lovely bright studio for you and your friends to come along and choose from a selection of fun party activities – try your hand at mosaics, decoupage, ceramics, felt-making or even sewing. We’ll supply all the materials and tuition – you just need to bring your friends! We can accommodate groups of up to 20 guests in our sunny studio and with the recent addition of our cafe, we’re delighted to be able to supply the party food too ! We’ll provide a delicious birthday tea of sandwiches, crisps, juice and a scrumptious organic ice cream for just £5.50 per person – or if you prefer you can still bring along your own snacks. We have lots of party music to get the creative juices flowing but of course you’re welcome to bring along your own CDs. Check out our website at www.kissthefishstudios.com for more details

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LifeCare Edinburgh LifeCare Edinburgh has a number of rooms available to hire for the local community at their community centre based at Stockbridge House, 2 Cheyne Street, Edinburgh. We have rooms ranging in size from small meeting rooms to large halls suitable all types of events, from children’s birthday parties to weddings. We also have a number of classes taking place in the centre including Zumba, Swing Dance classes, Yoga, Pilates, Tia Chi and many more. If you are interested in any information about the classes in the centre or if you would like to hire a room please contact support services on 0131 3430940 or alternatively email: supportservices@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk. LifeCare Edinburgh is a charitable organisation, Charity Registration number SC 012641. LifeCare Edinburgh provides care services for the local elderly community and specialises with care for the elderly who are frail or have dementia. Income generated from community room hire is used to underpin our care services.

Time to Party at Maddie & Mark’s Play Town!

Ball Pool, Surf Rider and Zoopa Cannon, just some of the fun to be had in Maddie & Mark’s Play Town. There’s even a mini supermarket, shoe shop and garage for the kids to explore.

It’s a child’s paradise for party action too, packed with excitement and topped off with some delicious party food. The kids have a ball and you don’t have to clean up afterwards! And, if you want the place all to yourself, we offer exclusive use outside our normal opening hours.

To book or simply have a chat about your celebration call 0131 555 1900 or email parties@maddieandmarks.co.uk Maddie & Mark’s Play Town is situated on the 2nd floor of Ocean Terminal, with great views across the Firth of Forth and The Royal Yacht Brittania. Let the kids fuel their imagination, while you relax and admire the view. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

Messy Munchkins

Are you looking for something different for your child’s special day? Have you thought about a messy play party?

Messy Munchkins is an award winning company that hosts messy play birthday parties for children under 5.

We’re quite different from any other party and there is always something for everyone – gluing, squishing, stirring, making, splashing and more... Each party is created individually and designed to allow the birthday boy or girl and their guests to do what they do best - play!

If you are interested in getting in on the mess, but without having the stress of cleaning up, please contact Juliet on 07876542492 or email juliet@messymunchkins.co.uk. www.messymunchkins.co.uk We also run weekly messy play sessions, so please get in touch if you would like to know more.

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Big Birthday Party Guide

Mikes Military Mayhem We are Proud to Offer...A Birthday Party to remember. Mikes Military Mayhem is a fun packed outdoor activity party for everyone from age 6 to 60! Have a blast on the obstacle course, work in teams to ward off the enemy, carry out a secret mission all with limitless water, mud and FUN. Each party or group booking is tailored to suit the age and ability of recruits. Encouragement is limitless and everyone leaves as a hero. We provide invitation/camouflage face paint/a certificate for every recruit/birthday card/ juice and an energy snack. All activities are under strict adult supervision. Mikes Military Mayhem is run by Mike & Jane Oliver and their two children. Mike is an ex Royal Engineer and fitness manager. Jane runs her own business Brightbrain-Scotland helping children and adults overcome learning difficulties. MMM is only 50 minutes from central Edinburgh in the beautiful Scottish Borders. www.mikesmilitarymayhem.co.uk E: mikesmilitarymayhem@hotmail.co.uk M: 07810562543

Monkey Music

The innovative and entertaining pre-school music group in Edinburgh, offers parties for babies and children up to 5 years.

Every party is individually tailored to suit each separate occasion and always includes the same magical musical ingredients such as singing, dancing and playing percussion instruments. Your Monkey Music party leader will make sure that everyone has a really special day to remember! An hour of musical fun costs £95.00. alison.rankin@monkeymusic.co.uk (Edinburgh South) 0131 669 6004 rachel.huggins@monkeymusic.co.uk (Edinburgh North/West) 0131 260 9667 www.monkeymusic.co.uk

Music Bugs

Music Bugs are available for birthday parties for boys and girls aged 1 – 5 years. Our parties are great fun and we can accommodate up to 20 children. We will plan every step of your child’s birthday session with you, making sure that all their favourite Music Bugs songs are props are included. Our parties cost £90 for up to one hour and the price includes party invitations, a small gift for the birthday child and a balloon and sticker for each party guest. For further information or to discuss planning your party, please contact Hilary (Edinburgh East) on 0844 822 1156 or hilary@musicbugs.co.uk or Shelley (Edinburgh West) on 0844 822 1159 or shelley@musicbugs.co.uk We look forward to celebrating with you and your child

National Museum of Flight

Children’s Birthday Parties at the National Museum of Flight Book a very special birthday party at the National Museum of Flight. Visit Concorde and our new Fantastic Flight exhibition and take part in workshops and activities with your party host.

Activities include creative make and take, dressing up in uniform, air raid siren, completing the assault course, seeing military and passenger aircraft at close quarters and Airfield Explorer rides. After all the exertion, party goers sit down to a birthday spread in the Aviator Cafe. Choose from our Jet Powered Package at £10 per child or our Supersonic Package at £12.50 per child. Parties for minimum of 10 children. You can also download your party invites online!

“Me and my mates rated the party 100 out of 10. Thank you for making me happy on my birthday". Finn aged 10.

Book now! 0131 247 4238 www.nms.ac.uk/flight

One Red Elephant

One Red Elephant’s trunk is packed with imagination; interactive puppets performing original rhyming stories, traditional games, parachute play, face painting and so much more.

Turn your child’s favourite thing into a memorable, one of a kind birthday party or choose from a range of prepared themes... ‘The Science of Silliness’, ‘Bubble Birthday Bonanza’ and many more! Elephant is known for out of the ordinary balloon modelling, twisted at parties or pre-made as an unusual, very popular party favour to end events on a high note! One Red Elephant works with children of all ages and abilities. Adult participation is encouraged; children never have more fun than when adults get silly!

Invite elephant to your venue for trumpeting fun! If you don’t believe in magic you won’t find it. Contact Tracy Duncan for details and prices on 07525337598 or tracy@oneredelephant.co.uk, www.oneredelephant.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ oneredelephant

Party Bags, Gifts & Partyware We have a great selection of Invitations, Party Bags, Goodies and Birthday Presents to choose from.

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Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and clay making, general crafts and pottery painting Bring your imagination and we’ll have the rest!

Available for parties, schools, playgroups and after school clubs See website for details on clubs & classes

Tel: 01506 238961 Email: chat@potteraround.co.uk or visit www.potteraround.co.uk

Fun, funky and educational arts & crafts classes for children.

Painting, drawing, sculpture, model making and much more!

Arty parties and holiday workshops also available 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815 www.artroom32.co.uk

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DISCO • MAGIC SHOWS • GAMES FACE PAINTING • BALLOON MODELLING

07724814117 www.stinasparkles.net

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Potter Around Potter Around is the perfect place for a party. We are a pottery painting and craft studio with gift shop based in Kirknewton offering a variety of parties. Pottery painting party - the children can paint in acrylics and take their goodies away that day or paint in underglaze and leave them to be glazed and fired. The birthday boy or girl gets a lovely plate as a memory of the day.

Arty Parties with painting on canvas bringing out the Picasso in the party goers. Decopatch parties - choose from pottery or papier mache to decopatch. Jewellery making choose from elastic or jewellery wire depending on the age and let the girls pick the colours to match their outfits.

Get messy and have a potter’s wheel party. Or if you want scents with your creativity - a Lip balm and bath salts party.

Whatever party you choose, we promise to make it perfect.

Party packages start at £12 a head which includes juice and snacks. We can also include face painting at an extra cost.

Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, EH27 8AH. 01506 238961

pick your own party

PYOP’s party planning option brings together your choice of theme with an activity or entertainment that your child and their friends will enjoy. Relax as everything is arranged from the venue, decorations and food to the take home gifts and all the little extras. All you need to do is send out the invites (invitations supplied) and get the guest of honour to their party on time. Plans and quotations are available on request and will be designed to meet your budget.

Other services include the fun Photo Prop Box, Balloon Modelling/Decorating and Venue Decorating; great additions to a party you are planning yourself. Looking for something else? Just get in touch and I’ll do my best to help.

I love networking on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest so come and find Pick your own party to keep up to date with what we’ve been up too. 07904 395 598 hello@pickyourownparty.com

Recording Studio Kids Parties

One hour of laughter and fun for only £15pp for a group of ten. Our studio can accommodate up to 20 people. We make the whole experience easy by recording the chosen song in sections instead of just getting the group to sing through the whole song. This makes it a real studio learning experience as well as a fun way to get the best possible result. As well as singing together as a group, the birthday girl/boy will be encouraged to sing a solo part too. And we will also help to encourage any ideas the kids may have for their recording.

The resulting mix will be burned to CD for each participant.

The entire event will be photographed and an mp3 of the track will also be provided for playback on phones, ipods, and emailing etc. You are welcome to bring your own food and drink along. Our studio is located at 107 High Street, Royal Mile. To find out more or to book your party go to www.royalmilerecordingexperiences.com

Big Birthday Party Guide

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Rocking Rascals Rocking Rascals deliver dazzling, fun-filled parties uniquely tailored for you. Our fully- trained team of highly energetic and lively entertainers manage a whirlwind of games, partytunes and dances, ensuring even the quietest children have the best of times. Our complete service includes invitations, colourful table settings, birthday buffet, premium party favours and engaging activities which sets us apart from the average children’s event. The party begins with some cake decorating and tattoos and then we will groove away on the dance floor and play some fun games also. When we need a break we will move to the birthday buffet table and get our energy back for the big finale – the fashion parade.

For more details, or to book your party, call Emma on 07818 687066 or email parties@rockingrascals.co.uk. www.rockingrascals.co.uk

Rosie’s Kitchen Cupcake decorating party

Take home your own creations from a Rosie's Kitchen cupcake decorating party. You simply the venue and Rosie will supply all you need for the kids (or adults) to decorate.

Visit facebook.com/RosiesKitchenEdinburgh to see what you can do

Rugbytots

Rugbytots offer a party experience for children aged between 4 - 7yrs. Our parties involve a range of games to ensure all children (not just those with a like for rugby), have a most enjoyable experience. We start with a very active and fun group warm up, which is followed by games and activities which have been designed to ensure mass participation and enjoyment. Our parties are approximately 45-60 minutes long, and we strive to ensure the kids leave with a smile. All Rugbytot parties will be taken by an experienced coach. Cost of a Rugbytots party start from £75. Please email carl@rugbytots.co.uk for more details. Call - 0845 3133252

Scottish Seabird Centre

Celebrate Seabird style! If you’re looking for a party for ages 4 to 10, for groups from 10 to 25 kids, the Scottish Seabird Centre can help you stand out from the crowd.

Be welcomed to a dedicated party room by our party team and enjoy face painting, music, party food plus the very special chance to meet Tammie the Puffin who will give a gift to every child. Embark on an interactive and fun-filled adventure in the Discovery Centre – your party can control the live cameras on the Firth of Forth islands including the world-famous Bass Rock, Craigleith and Isle of May. There’s different wildlife throughout the seasons including puffins, seals and gannets! Also let your group be the stars of the show as they go live on camera in the Telescope Deck (with parental permission this can also go online!).

Parties from £10.50 per child.

The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS 01620 890202 www.seabird.org Facebook/ScottishSeabirdCentre Twitter @SeabirdCentre

Sparkle Arts

Few childhood memories are more special than a birthday party, and with a Sparkle Arts Party you will be sure of something magical. Choose one of our specially designed themes, and we will take your little party goers on a magical imaginary adventure. Using pretend play, drama games, dance, and music, we enhance children’s imaginations, encourage collaborative play, and most importantly have a great time. Our parties do not include competitive games therefore no child feels "left out", but we do make sure the birthday boy or girl feel like a real Star for the day. One hour of party entertainment for up to 15 children costs: £100.00. Additional children charged at £5.00 per child. Parties can be held at a venue of your choice. Book your Sparkle Arts party NOW by calling 07717 706 778 or email us at info@sparklearts.co.uk

Step It Up Dance

Add originality and sparkle to your child’s special day with a Step It Up Dance party! Our parties are hugely popular and highly organised with a team of expert party hosts who are very flexible and most importantly, great fun! Some of what we can include is detailed below: Dance demonstration by teacher - Original dance-based party games - Teaching of basic dance moves - Performance of dance routine/ jam in front of parents/ carers - Photo opportunity - kids can show off their new dance moves/ poses. Fancy a party without the hassle? Allow Step It Up Dance to organise your entire event for you. As well as providing the entertainment for your party, we can also provide the following services for an additional fee: Step It Up Dance certificates (more personal & much cheaper than a party bag!) and Party Food. Our party prices are very competitive and include invitations & envelopes posted out to you – please get in touch and we will be delighted to help. www.stepitupdance.co.uk www.facebook.com/stepitupdance www.twitter.com/StepItUpDanceUK 07428 110 135

Stina Sparkles Entertainments

We can provide DJ and Disco with fantastic lights an lasers.

We have all the modern hits- kids tunes and even FULL Karaoke set. Professional Face Painting, Glitter Tattoos and Balloon Modelling and we also have a Fantastic Magician! Entertainment for all your parties, weddings, functions and fun days - call us NOW for a competitive quote. Fully insured, police checked and recommended. Call 07724814117 or www.stinasparkles.net or Find us on Facebook!

Talking Tots

Did you know Talking Tots offer party sessions? Lots of fun and games but with the added bonus that your little ones are learning too! Various themes available including nursery rhymes, pirates, princesses and animals. Prices start from just £80 for 50mins of entertainment for up to 12 children.

Ideal for 1-5 year olds. For more details contact Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or jen@talkingtots.info Check out our party page at www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh **OFFER** Parties booked by 28 Feb 2013 will receive 20% OFF.

Big Birthday Party Guide

Tatty Bumpkin parties – bend, stretch, dance and play!

Soccerstarts / Soccerstars Soccerstarts / Soccerstars Football Academy provide Brilliant Birthday Parties for children from 3 Years - 10 Years. We can visit you at a local sports venue, community centre or church hall near you. Our football parties consist of 1 hours of fun with a full qualfied coach, playing fun football party games and competitions. Our Football parties Packages are: Party Package one: One Hours Party Time with our Football coach for £5.50 per Child Party Package Two: One Hours Party Time with coach & A Football party bag for every child who attends and all Football Party Tablewear (Plates,Cups,Napkins, table cover) . All this for £7 per child.

Contact us for more information on email: J.smith@soccerstarts.co.uk or phone 07923 005534 for more information.

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A Tatty Bumpkin party takes you on an active adventure with Tatty Bumpkin and her animal friends, bending, stretching, dancing and giggling along the way. The movements are yoga-inspired with props and music to bring the story to life.

Parties are tailored to your child’s interest – Tatty sometimes visit the jungle with lion, or the sea with pirates and mermaids, Tatty can go to the forest or the mountains...games and activities are included too. The adventure always ends with a relaxation! Some comments from parents on Tatty Bumpkin: "An enjoyable adventure with Tatty Bumpkin for both of us!" "My four year old son was entranced!"

Parties work well for ages 2 to 7 years and are best with up to 15 children. Parties can be in a venue you have hired, or, if you have space, in your home. Contact edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com or 07411 571001 to talk about what would work for you.

TimeTwisters Play & Party Centre

Edinburgh’s award winning kids birthday party specialist, offering a range of party options that will ensure all guests have the “Greatest Fun in History”. We know what it takes to make your child’s party a delightful and memorable experience for everyone and your designated party host will be on-hand throughout the party to ensure that everything goes according to plan – meaning you can relax and enjoy the party as much as the children. Our Mid-Week Toddler Parties are a great way for even small groups to get together and enjoy a fantastic TimeTwisters Party – in fact, they are priced so low you don’t even need to wait until it’s someone’s birthday!

Ultimate Laser-Tag Party. A monster two and a half hour extravaganza of fun and excitement incorporating sessions of soft play and Laser-Tag – your group even has exclusive use of the centre during the Laser-Tag games.

Full details of all party options, availability and online party booking can be found at www.timetwisters.co.uk/party Or call 0131 308 2464 and speak with our friendly staff.

Tumble Tots Birthday parties.

We would love to take the stress out of your little one’s birthday party. No need to worry about the weather, the children can play and be active indoors. You can hire a hall near you. The parties run for an hour and a half with fun from start to finish. The parties will be age specific, the children will climb, balance, enjoy forward rolls practice eye to hand coordination and above all have fun in a safe and caring environment. The party is finished off with parachute fun. The parties are for children aged a year to 7 years, a parent would need to assist children under 3 years old. Please contact Jo for parties in Edinburgh East and South area on 01875 819966 or April for Edinburgh West and North on 0131 336 1234.

Honey Pot Ceramics • Paint you own pottery • Make your own cosmetics • Design your own jewellery • Try out other craft activities • Party Packages • Messy Play for Pre-school children For details of workshops and holiday activities visit: www.honeypotceramics.com or call us on 0131 333 6348 Based at the EICA, Ratho, South Platt Hill, EH28 8AA Open 7 days 10 - 5pm - other hours by arrangement Open late Thursday

Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,

Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr

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All these events and more can be found on

Music and movement classes that enhance your child’s development and instil a lifelong love of music 26 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 76

While every care has been taken to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk Every Wednesday during term-time Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins).

Free. Suitable for ages 2-4 (+ their adult) Free – sign up in the Entrance Hall on the day as places are limited The National Museum of Scotland’s magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme every week. Look out for special guests too!

8 - 12 January The Nutcracker An Thursdays during term time Magic enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, Carpet Minis 10:30 (20 mins). Suitable and a nutcracker who may just be a for ages 0-2 (+ their adult) Free – sign up handsome prince in disguise - this winter, on the day in the Entrance Hall as places are prepare to enter a magical new world... limited Join the National Museum of Scotland Following on from the hugely successful for magic carpet sessions for really little ones productions Cinderella and The Sleeping and their adults. Go along for songs, stories, Beauty comes a revival of The Nutcracker, a rhymes and objects in the unique museum sweet yet deliciously sharp take on ETA setting.

Hoffman's original story Nutcracker and the Fridays during term time Friday Family King of Mice. This fresh and vivid retelling of Fun 13:30–16:30 (drop-in) Free. Let out of the famous Christmas story features stunning school early? Make the most of your half-day sets and costumes, breathtaking Friday and come and have some fun with the choreography and Tchaikovsky's sumptuous National Museum of Scotland! Drop by for score performed live by the Scottish Ballet free activities such as Gallery Safaris, makeOrchestra. Festival Theatre Edinburgh and-take and object handling. Check out Book online at www.edtheatres.com information screens on the day for details Saturday 12 - Sunday 13 January Edible Nature Photography Awards 2012 Gardening - Seasonal Advice 12.30 pm exhibition. To 31 January, 10:00-16:00, 3.30 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John included with entry into the Discovery Hope Gateway, No booking required, All Centre Now in its seventh year the Nature ages, (Free) Fancy growing your own Photography Exhibition 2012 showcases vegetables but don't know where to start? the shortlisted entries from this year's Pop in for some friendly advice from the Scottish Seabird Centre competition. View edible gardening team. Part of the Edible these stunning photographs and select your Gardening Project funded by the People's winners from the ever-rising standard of Postcode Lottery. Royal Botanic Garden entries. For further information about the Edinburgh competition, previous winners and Saturday 12 January The Haunted exhibition please visit www.seabird.org.

House Inspired by The Derek Williams Trust Collection A Ruined House, Hampton Gay, Oxfordshire by John Piper shows some creepy old woods. Come and explore some atmospheric landscapes using dark clours and skeleton trees. All events are free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

Sunday 13 January Big Museum Garden Birdwatch 12:30 – 16:00. Free, drop-in Weekends Mini Makers 14:00-15:00, Join the RSPB for some museum wildlife included with entry into the Discovery activities and find out how you can take part Centre Fun ‘make and do’ sessions for in Big Garden Birdwatch 2013. National kids age 4 to 8. Scottish Seabird Centre, Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 01620 890202 www.seabird.org All events Sunday 13 January Portrait Detectives! are FREE for members, or included in the 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12). Become a Portrait entry price to the Discovery Centre for nonDetective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, members, unless otherwise stated. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, follow clues and help solve a mystery.

Supported by the friends of the National £4.95 for children and £5.95 for Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National concessions. Family tickets are also available.

Portrait Gallery Sunday 6 January Art Cart 2-4pm, Free Saturday 19 January Create your own (Ages 4-12) Free drop-in art activities for all Family Crest 10.30 am – 12.30 pm the family led by artists Tessa Asquith- Lamb Design and make a crest using air dry clay; and Paula Flavell. Each month, there's what best describes your family. Put it in a something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions. crest. Join our Visitor Assistants Linzi Supported by the Friends of the National Bootman and Ruby Tulloch for an arty drop-in Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery family session. Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, Canongate, Royal Mile

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our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 19 January Dewar Arts Award - Meet the Artist Event. 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required.

Find out how an artist's career grows. This event is aimed at teens and young adults with a special interest in making art and the creative process. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 19 January Colours and Feelings Inspired by Wihelmina BarnsGraham A Song of Night could be people watching stars or fireworks at night. The colourful brush strokes seem like people and the circle a safe place to look out from and observe....We will aim to use colour to represent a theme and will explore how colours make us feel. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 19 - Sunday 20 January Big Garden Bird Watch 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Join the RSPB to celebrate the Big Garden Birdwatch 2013. Last year we counted over 9 million birds during BGBW, help us reach 10 million this time. There'll be crafts, games and fun galore. See you there!

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 20 January Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 20 January Bags of Art 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks.

Led by artists Tessa Asquith- Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One Saturday 26 January Shapes in Nature Inspired by Wihelmina Barns-Graham: Warm Up Cool Down is a mixture of colour, varied shades of blue, green and tangerine which may suggest being on a warm beach with interesting rocks peeping out of the water. We will use geometric shapes to represent nature, for example, triangles for trees, crescent shape for sheep. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 26 January WHO IS IN THE BIG TOP? Have a look at the amazing circus acts on display at the museum, then create a miniature travelling version with all your favourites. With artist Lindsey Hamilton. All our drop-in sessions run between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm at Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG. www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk

Saturday 26 January Burns Family Day A fun filled day for all the family! Interactive stories, music, song and laughter all inspired

by Robert Burns. For friends from Scotland and all over the world. 11am - The Twa Rabbies (£6/£4) for ages 6+ Join Macastory to investigate his secret untold adventures and discover the outrageous stories behind his most loved poems and songs We'll a' be proud o' Robin Join Sylvia and her wonderful lifelike figures for a fun, interactive afternoon of Burns stories! To find out more/book tickets go to www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh 2pm £5/£3

Burns Unbound!

Sunday 27 January Burns Unbound! Release your inner bard at the National Museum of Scotland and the National Museum of Rural Life on Sunday 27 January. At the National Museum of Scotland you can enjoy a free music concert with top Scottish talent featuring Amy MacDonald, fun activities for all the family and join host Karen Dunbar as we attempt our Burns Birthday Challenge!

Sean Batty, Scotland’s favourite weather man, will lead the proceedings at the National Museum of Rural Life, including music from Wildings.

Throughout the day explore our collections to discover more and look out for activities, performances and workshops for all the family taking place around both museums.

National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh National Museum of Rural Life, Wester Kittochside, East Kilbride 0300 123 6789 www.nms.ac.uk/burns.

Supported by Scotland’s Winter Festivals, Burns Night. Museum admission charges apply at the National Museum of Rural Life

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All these events and more can be found on Sunday 27th January The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am-1.30pm 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Thursdays during term time Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 (20 mins). Suitable for ages 0-2 (+ their adult) Free – sign up on the day in the Entrance Hall as places are limited Join the National Museum of Scotland for magic carpet sessions for really little ones and their adults. Go along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting.

Fridays during term time Friday Family Fun 13:30–16:30 (drop-in) Free. Let out of school early? Make the most of your half-day Friday and come and have some fun with the National Museum of Scotland! Drop by for free activities such as Gallery Safaris, makeand-take and object handling. Check out information screens on the day for details

Half-term at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Family Tree Fun Saturday 10 - Sunday 17 February 11:00 – 15:00 Become a family tree detective!

Search for the missing members of the royal family tree.

Explore regal bedrooms, climb spiral staircases and find famous faces.

For full details visit www.royalcollection.org.uk/learning

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Sunday 27 January Meet the Ancestors - Robert Burns Revealed! 2pm & 3pm (45 mins), Free (Ages 4 -12) Join historian and author Allan Burnett and discover the great poet's amazing life story. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Thursday 31 January The Real Nappy Projects Nappuccinos Your ‘one stop’ event to meet all your real nappy needs. Get free advice and information from parents with lots of experience of using real nappies, see different types of nappies and if you’d like, apply for a trial pack or lending kit. Parents will also be able to: • Place orders and buy new nappies in partnership with Anna Grant a Fill Your Pants nappy retailer. Brands available are Little Lambs; Tots Bots; Bright Bots; Grovia; Smartipants; Fuzzibunz and Cheeky Wipes.

• Buy great value second hand nappies.

• Buy nappy accessories.

• Drop off second hand nappy donations.

A proportion of sales generated from all items will create income for the Real Nappy Project to help to continue with the services provided. Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just off Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW Thursday 31 January New Perspectives Theatre Company and Scamp Theatre: Farm Boy 7.30pm. Tickets £11.50 (£9.50), £6.50 under 18s. Michael Morpurgo’s compelling sequel to the award winning War Horse is a moving account of the changing face of the English countryside and a beautifully crafted reminder that stories really can reach out across the generations.

This magical tale comes to life in a show combining drama, storytelling and original music. The Brunton, Ladywell Way, Musselburgh EH21 6AA Box Office: 0131 665 2240 www.thebrunton.co.uk Every Wednesday during term-time Magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins).

Free. Suitable for ages 2-4 (+ their adult) Free – sign up in the Entrance Hall on the day as places are limited The National Museum of Scotland’s magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme every week. Look out for special guests too!

Weekends Mini Makers 14:00-15:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Fun ‘make and do’ sessions for kids age 4 to 8. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS 01620 890202 www.seabird.org All events are FREE for members, or included in the entry price to the Discovery Centre for nonmembers, unless otherwise stated. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available.

Saturday 2 February Scrolls and Quills!

10.30 am -12.30 pm or 1.30 pm -3.30 pm How did people write letters before the days of ballpoint pens and emails? Try out writing with feather quills and pen and ink and create mysterious sealed scroll to hang in your room. With artist Tessa Asquith-Lamb. For booking and further information contact Margaret Findlay on 0131 529 3963/2 or 529 5212 margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, Canongate, Royal Mile Saturday 2 February Installation Art Inspired by Wihelmina Barns-Graham Red Playing Games 1 will inspire us to have fun experimenting with plastic straws, cutlery, cups and shapes. We will cut up pieces of plastic to arrange our own installation artwork inspired by this painting. We will explore shape and form. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 2 - Sunday 3 February Dance with Plants 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Join Charan Pradhan for an afternoon of dance, music and fun. Charan will run dance workshops where participants explore the world of plants through movement. These are open to people of all ages and all abilities.

With the Garden's Flora of Nepal team. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 3 February Art Cart 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Free drop-in art activities for all the family led by artists Tessa Asquith- Lamb and Paula Flavell. Each month, there's something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions.

Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery

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our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 9 February My Favourite Space Inspired by The Derek Williams Trust Collection Yellow Interior by Ceri Richards is a cacophony of movement and music in a room. In this session we will explore collage.

Think of your favourite room or what colours describe you? We will cut out images from newspapers and magazines and use oil pastels to embellish our art work. Create your own amazing space. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

9 February A Little Book of Monsters (3pm) The Scottish Chamber Orchestra is joined on the stage of the Usher Hall by a choir of pupils from primary schools across Edinburgh for a family concert full of songs about the kind of creatures that live under your bed. A Little Book of Monsters was composed by Stephen Deazley with lyrics by Matt Harvey about monsters big and small, who might just be a little misunderstood. This musical romp with snobgoblins, cannibal animals and monster hunters is uniquely styled to appeal to audiences young and old and, along with music from Grieg’s Peer Gynt and Paul Patterson’s hilarious retelling of the Three Little Pigs, provides the perfect opportunity for families to share the enjoyment of a fabulous live music experience. Tickets £5/ £10/£12 0131 228 1155. Preceding the concert, the SCO hosts a Family Day (10:30am 3pm) at the Usher Hall. Free and suitable for all ages, this fun day of monster-inspired events includes music workshops, storytelling, face-painting, monster art workshops, magicians, balloon sculpting and more. visit www.sco.org.uk/connect for workshop times and more information

Saturday 9 February Stories of Scandinavia 11am – 4pm. Free (ticketed) Age 3+ In association with the Danish Cultural Institute. 11am (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Annemarie Krarup Annemarie Krarup tells Nordic folk tales accompanied by songs and music. 2pm (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Children’s Workshop Interactive Storytelling Workshop for younger children. Most suitable for children aged 3+. 3pm (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Laura Wang Laura Wang draws the audience into the wonderful world of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tales. Most suitable for children aged 4+. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Saturday 9 - Sunday 10 February Edible Gardening - Seasonal Advice 1.00 pm 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Fancy growing your own vegetables but don't know where to start?

Pop in for some friendly advice from the edible gardening team.

Sunday 10th February Chinese New Year at Edinburgh Zoo With a whole host of fun Chinese themed arts and craft activities to get stuck in with, as well as stories and many more events, there’s only one place to celebrate the year of the Snake! This event is free to members and free with Zoo admission to non- members, although some activities may cost a small additional charge. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Sunday 10 February Portrait Detectives!

2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Become a Portrait Detective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, follow clues and help solve a mystery.

Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 10 - Sunday 17 February Family Tree Fun 11:00 – 15:00 Become a family tree detective! Search for the missing members of the royal family tree. Explore regal bedrooms, climb spiral staircases and find famous faces. Palace of Holyroodhouse For full details visit www.royalcollection.org.uk/learning All family activities are free with standard admission to the Palace/Gallery or a valid 1 Year Pass. Adult: £10.75 / Over 60/Student (with valid ID): £9.80 / Under 17: £6.50 / Under 5: Free / Family (2 Adults and 3 under 17s): £28.60 Monday 11 February Stories of Scandinavia 11am – 4pm. Free (ticketed) Age 4+ In association with the Danish Cultural Institute. 11am (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Mariane Josefsen Mariane Josefsen's story repertoire includes Hans Christian Andersen's classic fairy tale The Princess and the Pea, guaranteed to enthral youngsters. Most suitable for children aged 4+. 2pm (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Children’s Workshop Interactive Storytelling Workshop for older children. Most suitable for children aged 6+. 3pm (1hr) Stories of Scandinavia: Aske Ebbesen Aske Ebbesen presents stories based on Danish contemporary children's literature. Most suitable for children aged 6+. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 12th February Meerkat Birthday Bash Party hats at the ready to join in with the special birthday bash as Edinburgh Zoo’s lively mob of meerkats are treated to some birthday party themed enrichment. As three members of this characterful clan turn two!

Come along on the day and see what they make of their birthday presents, complete with a few tasty treats hidden away for them to discover. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Tuesday 12th February Clay Modelling 10.30-12pm. Come and make your own 3D name plaque or toothbrush holder. Fun for all ages but under 5's must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is £12.50 per item. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 for details Doodles, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh

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Ou&tAbout Tuesday 12 February Tiny Tales: Love is in the Air! 10am & 11.30am (40mins) | £5 per child | 1-3yrs A highly interactive and energetic session for toddlers with storyteller Anne Pitcher. Who knows what we’ll get up to today in this world of great imagination...? Who knows what stories might appear? One thing’s for sure... Love will be in the air! www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk

Saturday 16 February Can A Painting Make a Sound?

10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm & 3pm, Free (Ages 5+) The Scottish Chamber Orchestra and the National Galleries of Scotland have teamed up to help you find the answer to this puzzling question with lots of fun for children and families. Clore Education Centre, National Gallery Complex

Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian

EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential.

See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.

EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE

0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH

Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 February Macastory's Mural Mayhem!

2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins), Free. (Ages 4-12) Drop-in and have fun with storytelling duo Macastory as they explore the stories and songs behind our giant wall murals! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Thursday 14th February Valentines Day at Doodles All day 10.30 - 9pm. Celebrate Valentines at Doodles this year with our 2 for 1 offer.

Offer applies to sellected mugs, bowls and plates. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 for details Doodles, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh

Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 February Scotland’s Rainforest 1.00 pm 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Ages 5+, (Free) Scottish rainforest on the west coast! Unlikely as it sounds it's true. Come and explore the wonderful world of colourful lichens that exist within the 'Celtic Rainforest'. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 17th February The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm 60 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 17 February Bags of Art 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith- Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art One

February Holiday Club 11th - 15th

Friday 15 February Play Dead!

11am & 2pm (50mins) £6/£4 for ages 5+ Scottish-German wunderkinder Louna Productions are back with a new and even wilder mix of traditional Scottish and German fairy tales for everyone aged five and over! Louna Productions will make you shriek with laughter and tremble with fear! www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Saturday 16 February White and Black Inspired by Wihelmina Barns-Graham St Nicholas Chapel, St Ives is a modern-day pastoral landscape. We will use black paper and white chalk and draw our own imaginary landscapes. We will explore freedom of line and the drama that can be created with black and white. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

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Saturday 16 February Chinking Chimes 10.30 am – 12.30 pm Make a themed wind chime out of wooden shapes or lovely beads. Sail your ships in the sky with a beautiful sailboat wind chime that you design; or make rainbows that dance in the light with colourful beads. Be inspired by the shapes in the museum. Join our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch for an arty drop-in family session. Museum of Edinburgh, Huntly House, Canongate, Royal Mile

Sunday 17 February Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday February 23 Holy Corner Community Playgroup are holding their annual ceilidh, from 3pm - 5pm at Polwarth Church, 36 Polwarth Terrace. Our Valentine themed event will include dancing led

by Ceilidh Kids and a cafe featuring our famous home baking. Fun activities for the family include a unique photo booth, face painting and our fabulous raffle.

Tickets cost £5 for children (under 2s free) and £3 for adults. For more information please call playgroup on 228 2768. Everyone is welcome so get out your dancing shoes and come along for the fun!

Saturday 23 February Weather and Landscape Inspired by The Derek Williams Trust Collection Portland on Wet Day by John Piper shows a textural landscape. We will explore weather in this session with a variety of materials and textures. Learn how to paint a wet rainy scene, a cold snowy day or a watery sunset. Free, but must be booked in advance on 0131 529 3963/2 or 0131 529 5212 or email margaret.findlay@edinburgh.gov.uk These will take place on the ground floor of the City Art Centre at 10.30 am – 1 pm.

Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 23 February Dewar Arts Award - Meet the Artist Event 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Find out how an artist's career grows. This event is aimed at teens and young adults with special interest in making art and the creative process. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 23 February FROM A TO Z! Create your own set of alphabet cards inspired by the museums collection.

With artist Louise K Fraser. All our drop-in sessions run between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.303.30pm at Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG Saturday 23 - Sunday 24 February Desert Ferns 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Ferns thrive in damp places but some of them have evolved to survive in the driest deserts.

Come and see some of the Garden's desert fern collection and discover their survival tricks. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 24th February Chinese Lantern Festival See Edinburgh Zoo covered with Chinese lanterns. Celebrate this lunar festival that will see the Zoo decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns to mark this special event. No Chinese lantern festival would be complete without lantern puzzles to try and solve! This event is free to members and free with Zoo admission to non- members, although some activities may cost a small additional charge. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/whatson Sunday 24 February Macastory's Mural Mayhem! 2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins), Free. (Ages 412) Drop-in and have fun with storytelling duo Macastory as they explore the stories and songs behind our giant wall murals! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Sunday 24th February The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am-1.30pm 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 West Lothian College, Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Thursday 28 February The Real Nappy Projects Nappuccinos See Thursday 31 January for more information Duncan Place Resource Centre, Duncan Place (just off Duke St, Leith), Edinburgh, EH6 8HW

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