Families Edinburgh May/June 2013

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ISSUE 78 May/June 2013

Childcare Agency YOU CAN PAY OUR FEES IN CHILDCARE VOUCHERS • Sleep Consultancy • Postnatal Depression

www.impkids.co.uk

Our Services Include • Maternity Night/Day Care • Au pairs

• Nannies • Babysitters

Tax credit and Childcare Voucher Registration

0131 659 5065

leigh@butterflypersonnel.co.uk

www.butterflypersonnel.co.uk

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Tel. 0131 622 0405

Welcome to the May/June issue of Families Edinburgh!

This issue sees us celebrate our 13th birthday. We’ll do our best to keep the eye rolling and door slamming in check and remain the cheerful, helpful magazine we’ve always been.

Enjoy!

Sarah

What’s inside...

3–6 7 8–9 10 – 12 13 14 – 15 16 17 18 19 20 – 25 26 – 31

Local News and Views Simple Living by Jane-Marie Smith Clubs and Classes News Family Cycling in Edinburgh How to Get Kids to Grow Vegetables Protecting Your Children’s Eyes By Clare Downes Parent to Parent Competitions Pelvic Floor Getting Girls Back on Track By Joanna Moorhead Summer Camps and Activities Out and About

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

On the Cover Organic Cotton Stripe Dress (£22.95) Impkids www.impkids.co.uk 0208 672 2391

Next Issue: July/August Summer Fun and Days Out More Summer Camps and Activities Edinburgh Fringe for Kids Booking deadline May 31st Call Now! 0131 622 0405

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Turtle Tots Makes a splash for charities To celebrate their 1st birthday in June, Turtle Tots Edinburgh is holding a fantastic charity afternoon tea to raise money for NSPCC Scotland and Marie Curie. Turtle Tots baby and toddler swimming classes are held around Edinburgh and a percentage of all class fees are donated to the NSPCC each term, so this event will raise even more funds for some really great causes. Tickets to the event are £9 and include a mini-afternoon tea, tea/coffee, entry into a fabulous prize draw, and activities including messy play from Messy Munchkins, art activities from Crafty Little Things and face painting. The event takes place on Tuesday 4th June 2-4pm at Loopy Lorna’s in Morningside.

There are some fantastic prizes in the draw kindly donated by Messy Munchkins, Rugbytots, Loopy Lorna’s, Doodles, Swim Sharks, Monkey Music and many more! Prize draw tickets can also be bought separately (£1 each/six for £5), and all tickets can be bought by contacting Karina at Edinburgh@turtletots.com / 07964840049. This will be a really lovely afternoon of cake, coffee, children and chat, to raise money for two really worthwhile charities, so why not come along and enjoy the fun. More details can be found on www.facebook.com/TurtleTotsEdinburgh.

Skylark Cafe A parent-friendly place to meet, eat and play in Stockbridge, Skylark Cafe has a play area in the backroom with toys, books and puzzles to keep the wee ones busy while parents enjoy homemade soup, freshly made sandwiches and toasted treats, excellent coffee and tempting homebaked cakes. There's Belgian hot chocolate and a wide range of loose leaf tea and a sensibly priced children's menu too.

With room to park pushchairs at busy times and plenty of highchairs, Skylark is also home to the very popular week day Song Circle sessions.The cafe is an independent, family business run by mother and daughter team Gill Bowman and Sandie Briggs. Cosy through the back and bright and airy out front, Skylark has become very popular with Stockbridge families since opening in June last year. 42 Hamilton Place, Edinburgh My Yellow Ukulele My Yellow Ukulele is a wonderful CD full of Song Circle favourites sung by Gill and includes classic nursery rhymes, traditional Scottish lullabies, poems and folk songs.

The CD can be ordered from Skylark cafe on 0131 225 4444 and are £10 each plus £2 for postage.

Emma Healey is a PhD student the University of Edinburgh and her research looks at how children learn language. There are two projects - one with 2, 3 and 4 year old children and one with children under 18 months.

Both projects would involve a short visit to their lab in George Square during which you and your child would watch some short, child-friendly videos.

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. Parents of younger children will be given a £5 voucher.

If would like to take part in either project (or in both!) please email Emma at elfland@ed.ac.uk to arrange an appointment. If you have more than one child who could take part in these studies then you would be very welcome to bring them along together.

Walk Ten Edinburgh and the Lothians at Dalkeith Country Estate Saturday 31 August. Enjoy an evening walk around Dalkeith Country Estate, taking in the beautiful woodland, bluebell walks and riverside trails.

Afterwards, soak up the festival-like atmosphere with live music and entertainment. Tuck into your picnic or treat yourself to the food and drink on sale. At 10pm, there’ll be a firework display paying tribute to our Marie Curie Nurses. This is the time that many of our nurses start their night shifts caring for people with terminal illnesses and their families in their own homes.

The money you raise will help care for patients at the Marie Curie Hospice, Edinburgh. It will also support your local Marie Curie Nursing Service. All Marie Curie services are completely free of charge to patients and their families.

For more information and to register today visit mariecurie.org.uk/dalkeith or call 0845 052 4184.

Have you met Pom Pom Panda?

Pom Pom panda is a new talking Scottish Panda app. The new panda in town is almost as cute as real life giant pandas Tian Tian (Sweetie) and Yang Guang (Sunshine)!

Featuring Edinburgh Castle in the background and wearing a tammy hat made from panda tartan, Pom Pom is the most loveable Scottish panda cartoon around. Responsive to the user and with voice recognition, Pom Pom speaks back to you using your accent and in your language - meaning there is no language barrier - you can also tickle Pom Pom, who can dance a jig, munch bamboo, laugh, snooze and can even give you a kiss. The app also features an educational element with giant panda facts.

Downloadable from iTunes for only 69p, a percentage of each purchase payment goes towards the conversation work of RZSS and the upkeep of the real live pandas at Edinburgh Zoo.

Sick Kids Friends Foundation Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair This year’s Sick Kids Friends Foundation Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair is back on the 15th June at Meadowbank Stadium 12 – 4pm and promises to be even bigger, better and fancier than ever! The Teddy Toddle is fancy dress for toddlers and their teddies so come along to show off your best dressed ted!

This is a fantastic day out for all the family with something for everyone including shopping, fundraising stalls, food, fair ground rides, bouncy castle, crafts, face painting, dancing, music, storytelling, entertainment, fun workshops and much more. Look out for Storm Troopers and others Star Wars characters plus many other children’s favourites on the day!

Last year the Summer Fair and Teddy Toddle made an incredible £23,000 for the Sick Kids Friends Foundation which went directly towards providing comforts for sick children and their families at the Edinburgh Royal Hospital for Sick Children. Funds also go towards innovative equipment and ground breaking research over and above NHS provision.

This is one of the Sick Kids largest events of the year and it has steadily grown over the last 10 years it’s been running.

It is also one of Edinburgh’s biggest charity children events and provides the perfect way for people to give something back and raise funds for the Sick Kids in a fun and accessible way.

The Summer Fair will open at 12 noon with the Teddy Toddle taking Place at 2.30 for 3.00pm. Entry fee for the Teddy Toddle is £5 per toddler (teddies go free!) and the suggested minimum sponsorship is £20. However, you can raise as much as you like as every penny will help make the Sick Kids even better! Micky and Minnie Mouse will be along to toddle with you among many others and we want you to come to make this year’s Teddy Toddle the best yet! www.facebook.com/EdinburghSickKids www.edinburghsickkids.org.

Stalls for the day are still available as are children’s entertainment ideas. Contact Vicki or Linda at 0131 668 4949 or email at linda.cameron@luht.scot.nhs.uk to register for the Teddy Toddle or any other enquiries!

Busy Bees

UK-CDI project

Busy bees is very small nursery with a staff team of 4. They care for the children in a mixed age group and therefore have more a personalized “family” environment.

The nursery has recently developed their outdoor area and trained staff in outdoor learning including using a fire bowl for outdoor cooking. “We make good use of the local area including the meadows as well as organizing termly outings for the 3-5 year olds to places such as Gorgie farm”.

You can contact the nursery owner, Jess on 0131 2297889 or info@busybeesnurseryedinburgh.com for further information or to arrange a visit.

Researchers at the Universities of Liverpool, Lancaster and Lincoln have been awarded more than £300,000 to create the first standardised UK speech and language development tool (UK-CDI) to establish language norms for UK children aged 8 months to 18 months.

The UK-CDI project research team are asking UK parents of children aged 8-18 months to fill in a words and gestures checklist and questionnaire, and return it via pre-paid post.

The researchers will use the information parents provide in their questionnaire and checklist to draw up a picture of children’s early language development across the country. This will have a big impact on their knowledge of development and aims to enable professionals to pick up on problems more easily in the future by comparing a child’s progress against national averages.

Researchers are keen to hear from parents with children under 18 months (who are hearing English as their first language) to take part in the study. They are also particularly interested in hearing from parents who left school early, and parents living in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Parents can get involved by: • signing up for a parent pack at www.uk-cdi.ac.uk • contacting the research team by email uk-cdi@liverpool.ac.uk or on 0151 794 1109.

Brightbrain-Scotland Learning does not take place entirely in the classroom.

Brightbrain-Scotland offers 1:1 and group sessions for children and adults with learning differences to learn more easily. The purpose of the Bal-A-Vis-X programme is to bring effective training to struggling students – providing help with Focus, Self esteem, Eye tracking, Balance, Rhythm and more. You too can learn how to infuse the BalA-Vis-X programme into your home, classroom, or existing business by training with the developer of the programme from the USA, being held on 21-23 June, in Scotland. For more information on Bal-A-Vis-X sessions and training contact e: jane@brightbrain- scotland.co.uk t: 07512311317 www.brightbrain-scotland.co.uk

Traditional and original songs for wee ones. £10 plus £2 p&p Available by emailing songcircle.gill@gmail.com or in person from Skylark Cafe Hamilton Place, Edinburgh

Join us at Scrumptiousness Cake Parlour for a special and unique Birthday Party.

2 hour Cupcake Decorating Party for up to 12 cake-orators Learn how to decorate 4 tasty cupcakes to take home.

Themes include Princess, Disney, Star Wars and many more.

38 Morningside Road, Edinburgh For bookings please phone 0131 447 1009 enquiries@scrumptiousness.co.uk www.scrumptiousness.co.uk

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Meadows Nursery Meadows Nursery has recently completed another session of Forest Schools at Blackford Pond! We are a small eco-nursery situated in the heart of the Meadows. As a nursery we place a high emphasis on outdoor learning with regular trips and nature excursions.

Our children have thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the joys of the great outdoors each week. Our favourite activities have included watching the ducks and swans on the pond, building dens in the trees, and exploring in the fresh air. The nursery children always look forward to Forest Schools day!

Our next group will be off to Johnston Terrace! If you'd like to learn more about Meadows Nursery contact Jen Hegarty at 0131 667 5316 or visit the website www.meadowsnursery.ik.org

Vivvi Photography

Ninian’s Nippers

Family and baby portraits are a great way to celebrate the birth of a new baby, a birthday or any special anniversary or event. Now all families can enjoy a fun and relaxed photo session with Vivvi Photography. Its a family run business, created by couple of professional and passionate photographers. They specialize in contemporary studio and location photoshoots of newborns babies, children, families and mums to be.

They serve Edinburgh and the surrounding area and all their services are at very competitive prices.

May/June offer: 10% off for all Families readers.

Book it now and bring your copy of the magazine to the session. Please visit the website for more information and to check the latest offers. www.vivviphotography.co.uk Follow us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/vivviphotography

Fancy somewhere to go for a chat & chill with your young children? Tuesdays – All year round. Drop in 2.00 3.30 pm Mums, dads and other carer’s with preschool children welcome to come and chill together over tea and coffee. Come and play chat sing & occasionally a special feature for the adults : Talks, bakery/Craft demonstrations, Fitness Tasters etc. All welcome - £2.00 per session. Tea / Coffee / biscuits for adults Inc but please bring a snack for your own child. Ninian’s Episcopal Church, 40 Comely Bank Edinburgh EH4 1AG SC023246.

For more details. Tel 0131 315 3163 or Email: nippers@stninians-edinburgh.org.uk find us on facebook niniansnippers Group will take place in the Hazel Hall at the back of church. This is accessed via following the path on the left hand side, right around to the back of the church building.

Rose Young Millinery Rose Young Millinery offers a made-to-order hat, fascinator and headpiece service for women who want to look their best and stand out at a special event, such as a wedding or the races.

A bespoke service is also available for clients that wish to achieve the perfect shade, size and shape of headpiece.

Milliner, Hannah Young, is happy to meet clients in the comfort of their own homes, allowing them to try on their outfits with possible hats or headpieces. Alternatively, appointments may be made via the contact page of the website for a consultation in Bruntsfield. Rose Young Millinery also offers a range of beautiful hair accessories for girls. Check out the website www.roseyoungdesigns.co.uk to see the current collection.

SortmyPC- Drop in service & iPod/ Smartphone repairs now available!

SortmyPC now offer repairs to iPads/ iPods and most smartphones. Through a new partnership with a local specialist repair company, this means we can offer you a 24 hour return service on any iPhone, iPad & Smart phone repair. With parking facilities for customers at our Colinton Road office it’s even easier now to get your PC fixed with a drop off service now available ( don’t forget SortmyPC offer home visits also if preferred) - phone in advance and we can take your PC off your hands!

Call 0131 477 2644 or to find out more go to www.sortmypc.co.uk

Look where Maddie & Mark’s Shoes have popped up!

You’ll love Maddie & Mark’s new pop up shop in Ocean Terminal. It’s bright, airy and laden with this seasons Geox, Ricosta, Lelli Kelly, Startrite, Ecco and Crocs – the new Spring collection is their best yet. You can even snap up a bargain from their clearance stock with designer kid’s shoes for as little as £5! They have styles to suit all shapes and sizes of feet - from cruisers right up to size 41 (UK size 7) and the staff really do seem to know their stuff. With a Maddie & Mark’s Shoes in Blackhall, Bruntsfield, Buckstone and now of course Ocean Terminal, you’re never far away from stylish, funky and fabulous shoes.

Get to know Maddie & Mark’s a little better at www.maddieandmarks.co.uk

meadows nursery The Meadows is a small eco nursery run by a primary school teacher situated in the heart of the Meadows.

We care for children from 3 months to 5 years and we are in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council for the provision of funded places.

We’re right behind Sciennes School next to the Sick Kids Hospital. If you would like to visit us please contact us on: 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 4 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

0131 667 5316 meadows nursery 5 millerfield place, eh9 1LW www.meadowsnursery.ik.org meadowsnursery@gmail.com

The 4th Edinburgh International Magic Festival is once again bringing the most innovative and amazing performers from all over the world to Edinburgh from 28 June - 5 July 2013.

A sensory feast for all ages awaits, as MagicFest casts its spell across the Capital and promises to take you to the extreme end of visual theatre.

Classic magic meets close-up, mind-reading defies illusion, cabaret clashes with comedy and levitation renders the impossible possible. MagicFest begins with the Magic and Variety Gala Opening, a breath-taking spectacle of the finest acts in Magic.

Adventure seekers should head to "Magic Dinner", an evening of delicious food, magical cabaret, mind-reading and show stopping close-up magic that promises to mess with your head.

Young magicians will have the opportunity to learn the secrets of sleight of hand, make new friends and meet some of the coolest magicians at “Magic School” for kids aged 7-10 and “Street Magic Master Class” for kids aged 11-14.

Magic is the Art of the Impossible; it shows you the world in a wonderfully diverse way and challenges you to see things differently.

So be amazed and catch the magic at The Edinburgh International Magic Festival.

Bookings for the Festival are now open and tickets are be available from the Hub box office: 0131 473 2000 or online www.magicfest.co.uk.

DOODLES MAY OFFER Like us on facebook throughout the month of May. Log in to find the mystery phrase and if you quote the phrase when making a booking in May you will receive 10% off your bill. Find us at www.facebook.com/doodlesceramics.

May is also a good month to plan ahead for Father’s day or a teacher’s gift. We have 100’s of shapes and colours to choose from so it’s never hard to make that perfect present! Doodles, Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh

2nd June at 12.30pm Bring along your little ones in their buggies and join the first ever Great Scottish Buggy Run. You can jog or walk the 5 kilometre course. Entry fee £12 per family with buggy and you can take part on behalf of your favourite charity or just participate for fun.

And at 1.30 pm on the same day you can Toddle for Scotland. Toddle for Scotland is for children under 6 ©Claire Swindle Photography years or younger. All children are welcome to join up and meet the charity mascots. Infants and toddlers in buggies are welcome. There will be entertainment, medals, certificate and goody bags for all toddlers. Both events take place at Edinburgh College Sports Ground, Marine Drive, Silverknowes. Enter online www.challengescotland.com Hotline 0131 208 2500

Scrumptiousness Edinburgh's newest Cake Parlour specialising in childrens parties customised to your childs favourite things. Head along to their parlour in Morningside where your child can learn how to pipe buttercream using numerous techniques, make fondant decorations and amaze their friends with their unique one off creations. Children get to leave with 4 cakes each that they hand decorated and personalised. Classes are 2 hours long and prices start at £10, or £13 with food. A really unique birthday party idea.

Mums and Dads need not feel left out, relax in the vintage tea room with Scrumptious home made goodies taking you back to glorious childhood times where we remember granny's baking.

They also offer a full range of bespoke occasion cakes for the birthday girl or boy. If you are indeed a budding cake artist then you’ll find a huge supply of decorating supplies for you to create your own masterpieces.

And lets not forget the summer "cake camps" specialised days and weeks during summer holidays to cater for your up and coming baking stars. Scrumptiousness Cake Parlour, 38 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DA. www.scrumptiousness.co.uk enquiries@scrumptiousness.co.uk. Tel 0131 447 1009

St George’s Nursery receives top marks for early years care St George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh, has been awarded the highest grades of excellent or very good across all areas of assessment in a report produced by the Care Commission following a recent inspection of its nursery school.

Anne Everest, Head of St George’s School, commented, “providing a collaborative approach to education from the nursery, right through to our girls leaving, is something that has always been key to the ethos of St George’s. We are delighted the Care Commission’s report has acknowledged the excellent work done by our staff in the Nursery to help our girls develop from an early age, knowing how important it is to give children the best possible start in their schooling.”

Run in partnership with The City of Edinburgh Council, the nursery offers part-funded places for 3-5 year old children, while also providing care of babies from 18 months upwards. The school also accepts ‘brothers’ up to the age of four.

Wrap-around care is available from 7.45am and until 6.00pm, offering flexibility to busy parents.

St George’s School for Girls will be holding a Nursery and Pre- School Open Morning on Wednesday 15th March from 9.30 to 11.00am.

For more please visit www.st-georges.edin.sch.uk or contact Karen Batty on 0131 311 8008 admissions@st-georges.edin.sch.uk

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Chloe Gardner Don't miss an exhibition of prints and originals by Chloe Gardner, now on in the boutique hotel No. 11 Brunswick Street, EH7 5JB. Chloe's produces beautiful yet uncomplicated art that makes people smile.

She uses feathers and leaves as well as bright coloured paint and says her art is a combination of Scottish nature and Brazilian joie de vivre. www.chloegardner.com

Honeypot ceramics - Birthday Party Offer We're offering a fabulous 2 free places for all Birthday parties booked before the 31st May. Just quote Families offer on booking. Call 0131 333 6348 www.honeypotceramics.co.uk.

Honeypot Ceramics are very excited to now give you the opportunity to drop in to the studio to try our new activity fused glass!

We have a whole rainbow of colours you can use to create stunning sun catchers, cool coasters and wonderful wall panels. Glass is a very tactile material and is perfect for making beautiful jewellery, we have a whole range of findings so you can make your own glass pendants, rings, cuff links and earrings too. This activity is recommended for children aged 10+ to 100!

If you want to make something special for your Dad for Father’s Day on 16th June the last dates for kiln firing is 10th June (Glass) or 13th June (ceramics) www.honeypotceramics.co.uk

Explore Learning Explore Learning search for the best young writers in Edinburgh National Young Writers’ Award 2013 - Judged by bestselling author Cressida Cowell The search is on for the Explore Learning National Young Writer of the Year. Now in its 5th year, these prestigious awards aim to find the best young writers in the UK, and will be judged by bestselling children’s author, Cressida Cowell. The competition is open to children aged up to 14. Entrants are required to submit a story of no more than 500 words, handwritten or typed, based on the theme ‘Around the World’. Entries can be submitted in person to the Explore Learning centres in Blackhall or Murrayfield or via the website www.explorelearning.co.uk/ youngwriters from 1 April 2013. The closing date for stories is 3rd June 2013, and full terms and conditions can be found online.

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Personalised wall art for kids Pink Pig Art is a brand new online store bursting with stylish goodies for your home. Perfect for those who prefer something unique by a local designer which is not available on the high street.

Art for kids includes fairies, monsters, pirates, and more and can be personalised at no extra cost with a name and birth details. Prints are just £22 and are ready to frame. Canvas prints also available. Best of all, the mounted prints fit perfectly in the lovely square frames from that well known Swedish store! Perfect new baby gifts, or just to give your kid’s room a splash of contemporary cool art!

And here’s a rather special gift for a Dad who likes a wee dram now and then! Inspired by our national drink, everybody will know someone who will appreciate this giclee art print.

Printed on watercolour paper and mounted ready to frame, the illustration is available to buy online from Pink Pig Art www.pinkpigart.co.uk or you can arrange to pick up the print yourself at a discounted price if you are near Portobello area of Edinburgh. Coasters, mugs and canvas featuring the whisky illustration are also available. Visit the online shop at www.pinkpigart.co.uk and keep up to date with offers, and new products on Pink Pig’s facebook page.

Relove Relove the second hand children's shop on St Stephen St is about to celebrate its third year of business.

Not only does Relove offer fantastic value, where parents can buy, sell and exchange their children's clothes, toys and equipment but they have now diversified into repairing, servicing and valeting buggies.

The back of the shop has been converted into the Buggy Repair Centre. The workshop can fix almost anything, broken leavers, faulty buttons, jammed chassis faulty brakes and replace parts that are worn out.

Their prices are very reasonable at £20 for a full service, repair £20 + parts and valeting from £30.

“The buggy we repair the most is the Bugaboo Cameleon. Not because its a bad buggy but because its been used for two or three babies and now needs a service or repair”. Relove & Buggy Repair Centre 17 St Stephen St, Edinburgh EH3 5AN Tue-Sat 10-5pm. Sun 12-4:30pm (no buying or repairing) Closed Mon 0131 226 4141. buggyrepaircentre.co.uk. enquiry@buggyrepaircentre.co.uk.

Facebook/Relove.Edinburgh

Simple Living Do you have corners of your home where things have been temporarily stored for years? Piles of things sitting waiting to be put somewhere? It can just creep up on you and suddenly your home isn’t quite the tranquil cocooning space you’d like it to be.

before

One of my daughters said that our home had a cosy, welcoming nicky- nacky feel to it which I thought was lovely. “And tidy?” I asked. “Oh, no” she shook her head sagely.

And then I started to look around - the broken clock has been sitting at the bottom of the stairs for a good nine months, the pile of DVD’s next to the TV has gradually grown taller and wonkier and the kite that falls out of the cupboard every time you open it broke about 20 years ago and unless it repairs itself by magic will never fly again.

afte

r

In today’s world life can be demanding and when we are tied up living day to day it’s no wonder we don’t have time to slow down and get ourselves, our homes and our lives organised.

And that is where Jane-Marie Smith comes in. She runs Simple Living, which provides bespoke practical support and advice in all areas of your home from tidying, de-cluttering and storage solutions to planning and managing projects including redecoration, renovation, the arrival of a new baby or moving house.

“

Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; From discord find harmony; In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.

- Albert Einstein

”

Jane is passionate about keeping things simple and decluttering is a great way to achieve this in your home. If you are feeling overwhelmed and simply don’t know where to start Jane has given us a couple of simple suggestions to help you on your way.

Make a start

Let things go

Pick a shelf, worktop, table or any other surface and spend 5-10 minutes clearing all non-essential things to leave it looking neat and clutter-free. Build this into your daily routine and you'll soon start to see a difference.

Once you've started the process you may have a bunch of stuff you don't want anymore. If it has some value think about selling it. For example baby items sell really well on Gumtree. (Also check out jackandjillmarket.co.uk and Relove in Stockbridge)

Everything has a place

For everything else, think about whether it can be recycled as Charity shops will take just about anything in good condition. And once you've made the decision let things go quickly - it'll inspire you to keep going!

If you don’t know where things belong you need to designate a place for them. This will avoid clutter and not being able to find things when you want them. Take a minute to think it through — where would be a good spot? Do this as you de-clutter and don't forget to tell others where things go now (kids can make or break this so get them onboard!).

“

For more tips and advice please take a look at www.simplelivingedinburgh.com.

Jane was amazing; as a mum herself she can empathise with the situation but being a step removed handles everything in a focussed, efficient but friendly manner. Every working mum should have a Jane!

Paediatric Consultant and mother of 2, Edinburgh

Special Offer for Families Edinburgh readers: Quote FAMILIES and you'll receive a free one hour session for a quick de-clutter, removal of small unwanted items for recycling or a plan of action for a home improvement.

(Subject to availability in May. No additional sessions need to be booked to claim this offer. Further terms and conditions apply).

”

What it costs: An initial consultation by phone or in person is free of charge. Following a consultation, all services are charged at an hourly rate of £30. This rate includes removing any small unwanted items from your property and in most cases, research time, for example for any items you may wish to purchase to complete a room. Gift vouchers are also available and make a great gift.

Jane-Marie Smith Email: jane@simplelivingedinburgh.com Phone: 0131 5637557

Jane-Marie Smith Interior Organiser 0131 563 7557 Too much clutter? Toys everywhere?

Baby on the way? Need to sell or move house?

Want to redecorate or renovate?

I can HELP. Call for a free consultation.

Bespoke support and advice for your home. www.simplelivingedinburgh.com

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Lothian Dance Academy 2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello

New Pre-School Ballet and Tap Classes for children from 2 years.

Spaces Available Now. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Trial Lessons Available

Tel: 0131 669 9073

www.lothiandance.com

ACTINg OUT UK Acting Out UK is an Edinburgh based Drama School who offer excellent training in a variety of subjects including drama (acting and performance), musical theatre (singing, dancing and performing) and public speaking.

All classes & workshops aim to build confidence while enhancing creativity and imagination.

Teachers are qualified, experienced and passionate about the performing world. Most are professional performers themselves and have a great deal of knowledge about the industry. Classes are for approx 4-6 years, 7-12 years and 13-19 years. For adults (strictly 18+) there is a Beginners Drama Course, an Intermediate/Advanced Drama Class, a Musical Theatre Class and CPD certified workshops in Public Speaking. Acting Out UK also offer individual coaching for voice work, audition preparation and public speaking. Qualifications, through certified exams plus the chance of being part of our casting agency are available to all students.

Enrol soon to be able to take part in our annual June production at the Pleasance Theatre! For more information please visit our website at www.actingoutuk.com or contact us on 07704 714 607 or email clare@actingoutuk.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO TALKINg TOTS Talking Tots have just celebrated their first birthday! Look out for their birthday surprise on Facebook (under 'Talking Tots Edinburgh') and their website (www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh). Check out both for the latest Talking Tots news, tips and parent testimonials. They've also just announced a NEW class in Corstorphine - for more details contact Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or email jen@talkingtots.info

NEw AFTER SCHOOL CLUB AT POTTER AROUND Monday-Thursday 3.30-4.30, £5 and Fridays 1.30-3 - £10 Activities include sewing, painting, Fimo, jewellery making to name but a few. To find out more go to www.potteraround.co.uk

ARTS AND CRAFT SESSIONS AT HONEYPOT CERAmICS Messy Play for pre-School Children from 1 year - 5 years Sessions every Monday, Thursday and Friday morning from 10-11am and also every Thursday afternoon from 23pm. The aim of the session is to help develop self-awareness, creative expression, fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and, most importantly, to have lots and lots of messy fun! Sessions include a range of art and craft activities, including papercrafts, painting, stamping, sticking and each week we have a different fabulous theme to inspire the imagination!

Friday Afternoon Art Class. Every Friday afternoon we run an Art Class with artist David Grigor, from 3.30pm -5pm. Fabulous projects each week using different mediums.

Places are limited so booking is essential £12 per week or £60 for a 6 week block.

To book call us on 0131-333-6348. www.honeypotceramics.co.uk

TATTY BUmPKIN AND BABY BUmPKIN Yoga-inspired Sessions with stories and music Babies and children (0 – 7 yrs) bend, stretch, wriggle and giggle in these fun, yogainspired stories with music. Tatty Bumpkin lives on Wobble Farm and each day has a magical adventure in the Giggle Tree. The yoga aspects include postures where children explore the different shapes their body can make. They encourage confidence, balance and co-ordination that are such important foundations for other activities like dance, tennis, football and more. Some recent comments from customers: “My little one enjoyed all the activities in the class. I thought it was a great work out for my own imagination!” - Paula Baird, mum to Lucie aged 2 (and a half!)

“Tatty Bumpkin combines lovely storytelling with the discovery of yoga. My little ones loved it.” - J Bryson, mother of Grace aged 4 & Sam aged 20 months Tatty Bumpkin has had some fabulous adventures at parties too. The party can be tailored to the time you have and your child's preferences - we have recently been on jungle, sea and space adventures!

For more information see www.tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest, email edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com or call 07411 571001.

8 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

TUmBLE TOTS

mONKEY mUSIC

In April the Tumble Tots class at the Cluny Centre changed to a Circuit of Fun class for children aged between 18 months and 4 years. The class is less structured than normal classes for the 2 to 3's and 3 to 5's. Jo explains “It could be used a progression from the Walking to 2 years class to the more structured classes”.

Please phone Jo if you would like to try the class or for further information on 01875 819966.

Monkey Music classes are a wonderful way to watch your child’s musical interest and ability flourish with our award winning, age specific curricula. Recently voted the Best Preschool Activity for Under 5’s by Edinburgh parents the classes are full of fun, learning, games and most importantly music! The age specific curriculum cater for each child’s learning and ability and teachers work to create a unique and magical learning experience for all. The Ding Dong curriculum for children aged 3 and 4 brings together all aspects of music learning all about rhythm, the orchestra, working with live musicians and graphic notation. To book a free trial at one of our classes please contact Rachel Huggins on comelybank.corstorphine@monkeymusic.co.uk or contact 0131 260 9667.

123 COmE DANCE wITH mE

gYmBOREE

Pre-School age FUN Dance and Movement Classes.

The classes are designed to get children moving and interacting . Parents are encouraged to join in through out the fun packed classes where children can really have fun. Venues through out Edinburgh Contact 07882424407 07412539977 email: www.123comedancewithme@hotmail.co.uk For more information go to www.comedancewithme.co.uk

SwIm SHARKS Swim Sharks are an Edinburgh-based, learn-to-swim school, providing quality swimming lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities – from complete beginners to club level swimmers. Lessons are available at Portobello High School and Oaklands School, Ferry Road. Swim terms run for 8 weeks and all swimmers receive a FREE Swim Shark swim-cap, 2 report cards and a stage completion certificate.

For more information on our Holiday and Term Time swimming lessons please visit www.swimsharks.co.uk, email info@swimsharks.co.uk or call 0131 315 4996.

KNOTSTRESSED Join Happy Ears (the rabbit!), Rameez the hippo, Martha the monkey, and a host of other friends to discover the wonderful world of baby signing. We sing our way through the sessions to wonderful music, created by Edinburgh-based musician, Oliver Ridgewell. These fabulous songs help you learn around 300 British Sign Language based signs to enable you to communicate with your baby before they can talk. Courses take place at: the Calton Centre, 121 Montgomery Street EH7 5EP on Monday's at 11.30-12.45am or Wednesday's at 10-11.15am. Drop in for £6 or book five sessions for £25. Contact Onie at: relax@knotstressed.com or on: 07717 783 230 to join in the fun.

ARTROOm32 artroom32 has move to an bigger, brighter, exciting new venue at 44 Ferry Road, EH6 4AE! Usual term time arty classes for children plus fantastic new additional classes so now you can come along for fun whether you are 2 or 102 years old. As always, you can book in for an arty party but you can now also hire out the studio for your own party or special occasion. Gallery space also available for hire for all of you artists out there. Holiday and special occasion workshops, arty gift sessions, adult classes, adult and toddler sessions, older children workshops, something to suit everyone! Please see website for full details and look out for Father's Day workshops on 14th and 15th June.... www.artroom32.co.uk

WINNER of the WO4LOs 2012 Best National Pre School Development Activity 2 - 5 Gymboree is the UK's largest and most comprehensive pre-school learning programme, offering award-winning classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers from New-born through to 5 years. Gymboree's unique classes have been designed by experts in childhood development and feature a parent or carer as a fully participating play partner Gymboree Edinburgh offers both Play and Learn classes and Music classes, which are a great way to encourage learning for little ones with fun activities that encourage their physical, cognitive and social skills. “With our developmentally structured lessons and custom designed gym apparatus you can come along with your child and begin a future of funfilled learning”. Gymboree is suitable for children ages 05 years old. Classes run all year round from our newly refurbished venue at 3 Gorgie Park Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1NL. edinburgh@gymboreeuk.com www.gymboree-uk.com/edinburgh

STEP IT UP DANCE The team at Step It Up Dance have launched a new Breakdance Masters class for kids aged 10+. This class will focus on progressing existing Breakdance skills such as body popping, locking, flips & seriously cool tricks.

Interested students will also be given the opportunity to train for competitions and extra performances. The class will run every Saturday at the Calton Centre at 2pm.

Please contact niki@stepitupdance.co.uk or see the website for more details www.stepitupdance.co.uk.

They’ve also launched their School of Hip Hop! Hip Hop is an excellent way to keep fit as well as helping to build confidence & boost happiness. Step It Up Dance classes encourage individual expression as well as teaching routines, with loads of praise, fun and laughs along the way.

Classes on offer include: Baby Hop (for ages 18 months+ and their favourite grown ups), Hip Hop Juniors (for age 3 - 5) and Hip Hop Academy classes (for age 5+). All classes run on Mondays at the Calton Centre, 121 Montgomery Street, EH7 5EP. Find out more and book online at www.stepitupdance.co.uk/booking or call 07428 110 135. Step It Up Dance – for healthy, happy bodies and minds.

Fun Dance and Movement Classes

For Pre-school Aged Children These classes help children with:

● Regular Activity ● Social Interaction ● Confidence Building We also do Birthday Parties and Nursery Sessions Contact us on 07882424407/07412539977 www.123comedancewithme.co.uk

9 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

Family Cycling in Edinburgh Edinburgh is a fantastic place to cycle as a family. Mark Sydenham from the Edinburgh Innertube map has shared some of his favourite off-street cycling routes with us. dinburgh has over 50 miles of car-free cycle routes spanning the city.

Crossing seaside, canal, river, woodland, parkland and even mountain, some are an underused and often secret green network and with their almost total lack of cars, they make for a perfect cycling day out for any age. And because the routes on Edinburgh's Innertube map are mostly disused railways lines, canal towpath, or by river or sea, they are almost all totally flat.

E

The Innertube map sets out to show just how extensive the path network is and displays them in an easy-to-use way. We wanted to find a way of bringing them to the fore to remind people that cycling in Edinburgh need not be all about busy roads and traffic. In fact, by choosing your route wisely you can go long distance without using a road at all. The Innertube map website can help you find your nearest path and has photos and stories about what's happening on and around them.

Path to Fiveways Junction. If you're in Stockbridge, Canonmills or the city centre, head for Eyre Place, Broughton Road and the Scotland Street tunnel then head north. In the west, take the path north from West Coates and Haymarket, which is easily accessed from Gorgie, Roseburn and surrounding areas.

Whichever route you've chosen, once you are on the paths, you've left all traffic behind and you're free to cycle at your own pace, admiring the trees, woodland and wildlife. There's plenty to see including spooky tunnels, and views from bridges over the Water of Leith. Look out for what's left of the old railway lines – pillars of long-gone bridges, disused platforms, old ironwork, sidings and stations.

Head towards Crewe Toll, from where there is a short stretch alongside (but not on) a road before taking the Granton underpass and its brand new mural of local landmarks based on the Innertube map. This takes you under the road towards the Granton Waterfront. Turn left at the statue of the family going to the beach, and go behind the Scottish Gas HQ towards the old gas tower until you find the brand new 20-acre Forthquarter Park. This park contains the freshly-restored Caroline Burn and is home to over 15,000 newly-planted trees and bushes.

On the whole, the routes are scenic and tranquil. The Holyrood- Musselburgh path goes through Holyrood Park, and the Innocent Railway route. From Leith, you have two choices to get to Portobello beach via recently-upgraded paths through woodland and parkland starting at Leith Links or Easter Road (there is just one section which runs alongside the road before hitting Portie Prom). In the south west, one route runs along the canal starting at the Lochrin Basin in Fountainbridge, which connects with the Water of Leith Path, an uninterrupted route from Roseburn out to Currie and Balerno.

There's lots to choose from, but for a decent outing, nothing beats a trip to the coast by bike, and in the north of Edinburgh the old railway line paths seamlessly link Cramond to many parts of the city, and with its acres of grass, wide path along the seafront there's plenty to enjoy and do once you get there.

If it's your first time travelling by bicycle, you'll be astounded at the sense of freedom the paths can give you. If you already use sections of the path, why not use the map to explore some more and see how far you can travel?

From Leith, join the path at the Shore, where it runs along the Water of Leith heading west through Newhaven and Pilrig. You can take the scenic route through Victoria Park or choose the newly- tarmacked, and quieter, Chancelot

0131 467 7775 Sales of parts and accessories to suit all your needs 10 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

www.innertubemap.com

Bike Garage

The

Friendly family run local bike shop Cycle hire for all the family Cycle sales, repairs and servicing

From the end of the park, it's a very short road link to Silverknowes Promenade. Here, your route runs along the coast, with views over the Forth to Cramond Island, Fife and the bridges. By now you'll be sharing the path with families, dogs, joggers, cyclists, promenaders, even roller bladers and you'll feel like you have left the city and its traffic long behind. There's plenty of space to run around, on the grass or on the foreshore when the tide is out. You can visit Lauriston Castle, there's plenty to see at Cramond village or just watch the sheep and cows in the fields.

For the Park Kites Foot Balls Cricket Sets Golf Sets Buckets & Spades Bubbles Balance Bikes Micro Scooters

repairs, servicing, upgrades, custom builds, parts & accessories E

Travel Activities • Snap Card • Sticker Books • Colouring Books • Travel Games

17 Henderson Row, Edinburgh EH3 5DH Tel: 0131 557 4281 Email: info@thebikegarage.co.uk Web: www.thebikegarage.co.uk

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling aims to have something for everyone, including two family bike rides - one from Newhaven to Portobello Beach organised by Greener Leith, and the other from Polwarth to Spylaw Park, Colinton organised by Storybikes.

For the more adventurous there will be Cycle Speedway Taster Session for children at Redbraes Park cycle speedway track, on Saturday 15th June. Suitable for children between the age of 10 and 16 accompanied by parent/ responsible adult. Also, there will be displays of Bicycle Polo and Extreme Unicycle, with the opportunity have a go under supervision should you want to. Both these events will be at the Jack Kane Centre on Sunday 16th June. All the above events will be free to enter, although the rides will require advance booking, for more information visit the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling website edfoc.org.uk.

Newhaven to Portobello Beach family bike ride on 23 June 10am - 1pm This is an easy, free, informal, bike ride especially for families and those less confident on the roads.

We’ll be cycling slowly, on a route that is largely flat, on cycle paths from Victoria Park, via Leith Links to Portobello beach. There will also be a best dressed bike prize. And please bring a picnic with you and maybe money for an icecream on the beach too... Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Although trained Greener Leith cycle leaders will be present on the ride, please do bring simple tools, like a puncture repair kit, with you if you can. Although the route should be easy to re-trace – please note that this is a linear ride and that there will be no guided ride back to Victoria Park in the afternoon. www.greenerleith.org.uk

The Bike Garage The Bike Garage offers repairs, servicing, upgrades, custom builds, parts & accessories.

Here are three great cyling tips from them: What to look for when buying a child's bike:• Brake levers should be easily reached and operated by small fingers • Bike should be as light as possible (avoid suspension forks which tend to add a lot of weight for little benefit) • Avoid mountain bike style knobbly tyres unless riding mainly on mud. They create a lot of resistance and make cycling hard work on roads and paths.

Teaching a child to balance on a bike • Remove pedals (remember the left pedal has a lefthand thread, i.e. it unscrews clockwise) • Lower the saddle so your child can push themselves along • After a few days of practice, once the child is confident balancing, replace the pedals and start cycling!

Children's bike safety checks • Before every ride, check the brakes work.

• Make sure the brake levers don't pull all the way to the handlebars. They should fully apply the brakes well before they get close to the bars.

• Check wheel nuts are tight.

• Check all other nuts and bolts are tight.

• If in doubt, get it checked by a qualified bike mechanic.

The Bike Garage are offering Families Edinburgh readers a free safety check on a child's bike ( up to 24" wheel ) with any adult's bike service carried out.

Just quote Families magazine to take advantage of this great offer. 17 Henderson Row, Edinburgh, EH3 5DH. Call 0131 557 4281 www.thebikegarage.co.uk

g Tip Cyclin Station

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0131 346 0134 Natural relief from pain and discomfort

Spokes Spokes was set up to fight for better conditions for getting about by bike in Edinburgh and the Lothians, whether you're nipping out to the shops, cycling to school, or going for a Sunday family ride.

Spokes started in 1977. Can you believe that back then it was illegal to cycle anywhere in the Meadows, there was no Innertube network, and there was not a single cycle lane on Edinburgh's roads! Only 1 person in every 100 cycled to work - now it is 7 times higher.

There's loads of useful info on their website www.spokes.org.uk, including...

• The excellent Spokes cycling maps of Edinburgh and the Lothians.

Perfect to make up your own family rides.

• Wise and wacky cycling ideas • Places to go by bike • Free factsheets on family cycling Why not join Spokes? You'll get 3 mailings a year, plus email circulars, telling you about new cycling facilities and how you can help get more by emailing councillors and MSPs. Click Membership for a form - it's free if you are hard up. You'll also find lots of useful ideas for family cycling at weansonwheels.blogspot.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

The Bike Station

The Bike Station provides a range of services to promote cycling and sustainable transport. They work with voluntary organisations, schools and youth groups providing everything from cycle training, guided bike rides, fleets of bicycles, training and events.

For individuals and families the Bike Station sells fully-reconditioned bicycles, all with a three-month warranty, at affordable prices. A range of new and second hand parts, accessories and safety equipment is also available. Shop opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.

The Bike Station is Scotland's largest bicycle recycling organisation, taking in nearly 10,000 old and discarded bikes every year. Every bike donated supports work promoting cycling and all donations of bikes or equipment are welcomed. www.thebikestation.org.uk Tel: 0131 668 1996 ike The B at lessons re o g s doe one new t . s y for an , or nervou g s n id li k c s cy clude This in parents! d an

11 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

The National Trust for Scotland has hundreds of outdoor activities that are perfect for families. Most are just a few pounds or absolutely free, plus many properties have picnic spots and adventure playgrounds.

Discover what’s on in Edinburgh and the Lothians at www.nts.org.uk/natural where you can search event listings, download trail guides and get the whole family involved in the Year of Natural Scotland 2013.

Bring your little ones along to Newhailes Estate, Musselburgh to discover nature and wildlife events with the NTS Countryside Ranger. ‘Nature Nippers’ is a series of events specially designed for parents and under 5’s. Enjoy woodland walks, seashore scrambles, make artwork and get closer to nature together for only £3 per child.

The NTS Rangers also will be at Inveresk Lodge Garden, Musselburgh on 25 May for a Community Bio Blitz. Go along to help them count and record as many different species of wildlife as possible, plus hear more from the experts about the various creepy crawlies and beasties you find. Check the website for other special events, such as the fantastic Alice in Wonderland outdoor theatre at Newhailes Estate on Sunday 1 August.

12 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

Preston Mill, East Linton is located in an idyllic rural scene, with plenty to see and do inside and outdoors. On a mill tour, younger children will enjoy learning about Wee Bob, the Miller’s horse, and may even spot Millie the field mouse who legend has it enjoys rent- free hospitality in the mill. Before you explore the countryside, pick up a Tracker Pack from the property staff, which contains a fact sheet and all the kit you need to spot wildlife, such as otters, orange tip butterflies, kingfishers and dippers.

For only £5.75 a month for the whole family, you can get free entry these sites and over 100 other National Trust for Scotland properties nationwide.

Membership means great value days out at amazing places, where you can spend quality time together.

Visit www.nts.org.uk for more details.

How to get the kidsto grow things Involving children in gardening can be a great and fun experience for everyone regardless of age. Children can really get engrossed in planting and caring for flowers – even those with shorter attention spans!

Most kids can’t get enough of the anticipation and excitement of waiting for a seed to sprout or a plant to grow, even making mud pies, as all children find pleasure in a patch of soil they can call their own.

Imagine sparking the green fingers of little children, as you point out the wonder of the natural environment around them. And what better way to learn about photosynthesis, by watching it happen in front of your eyes! Show your child the magic of Mother Nature.

Getting Started

Inspire their senses

Gardening doesn’t require a huge garden or allotment; in fact, it can actually be beneficial to start out with smaller spaces such as a window box or a restricted area. Just ensure that the allocated area gets enough sunlight and start with a small, manageable project. It needn’t cost a lot of money either – you don’t need to buy anything special or fancy, and if you grow your own fruit and veg then you’ll ultimately be making a saving!

Start with margarine tubs, yoghurt pots, and any other small containers you might find lying around the house. Instead of fancy trays with separate sections, you’ll find just as much use in empty egg cartons.

A lollypop stick can make a great plant label and can be used when digging out seedlings. And what about a water pistol instead of a watering can. Who would have thoughts watering the plants could be so much fun.

We all have a particular fondness for plants which stimulate our senses and children are no different; point out plants with soft leaves and bright flowers, aromatic herbs, scented flowers, grasses and leaves that rustle when blown, etc. These can be particularly beneficial for children with special needs and requirements.

Plants attract wildlife, which can be hugely exciting. Wildflowers attract bees and butterflies, and watch out for the insects. All of them have a purpose in the garden, for example hedgehogs and toads eat the slugs and snails, and worms create holes in the soil.

You might find that your kids take so much pride in what they have grown themselves that they’ll eat things they haven’t tried before, just try with peas, cabbage and lettuce. Sheer pride will lend a flavour never to be forgotten. They will realise that whenever they eat yummy fruit and vegetables that someone had to grow them and that we can all grow our own fresh foods.

Opportunity to learn There is so much for children to learn. Explain to younger children that the seeds have popped underground and covered up to sleep, helping them understand that they need to be gentle with them and treat them with care. Make sure they know to water regularly and then sit back and watch it grow.

You don’t have to be green fingered yourself, gardening opens up a whole host of great experiments and different ways of looking at things, almost like having your own laboratory in your kitchen. A good idea to show how plants need time to grow, lots of sunshine and water is to grow three separate pots of cress. Place one in sunlight with plenty of water, one in a dark cupboard with plenty of water, and one in sunlight with no water.

The difference will be there to see.

We recommend

Prepare for mess!

Gardening isn’t a clean business but its lots of fun and easy enough for children to get to grips with. So get your children outside and explore - touch the flowers, feel the leaves, and look for bugs.

The Family Kitchen Garden by Karen Liebreich, Jutta Wagner and Annette Wendland (14 May 2009)

Enjoy!

13 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

Protecting Your Children’s Eyes This month Clare Downes Optometrist at Downes Opticians, Leith warns us of the damage UV radiation has on our eyes: The hope of some sunshine and possibly a holiday in warmer climes leads as all to think about sun cream, sunhats, UV swimsuits and for some of us, sunglasses for our children. UV light is more damaging for children than adults: we all know how easily their delicate skin can burn but how can UV damage your children’s eyes? (Here comes the science bit) www.loveitloveitloveit.co.uk

Sunlight contains three types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA rays cause skin aging and wrinkling and contribute to skin cancer, such as melanoma.

UVA rays pass effortlessly through the ozone layer.

UVB rays are also dangerous, causing sunburn, cataracts (clouding of the lens in the eye), and effects on the immune system. They also contribute to skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is thought to be associated with severe UVB sunburns that occur before the age of 20. Most UVB rays are thankfully absorbed by the ozone layer, but enough of these rays do still pass through to cause serious damage – eek!

UVC rays are the most dangerous, but fortunately, these rays are blocked by the ozone layer and don't reach the earth.

But what are the effects of UV radiation on the eye?

• Photokeratitis and photoconjunctivitis (inflammation of the cornea and conjunctiva, respectively) also known as Snow blindness, is effectively sunburn of the eyes often occurring when skiing or playing in the snow. Although the symptoms are very painful and worrying for all, they cause no long-term damage.

• Cataract: an eye disease where the lens becomes increasingly opaque, resulting in impaired vision and eventual blindness. Increased exposure to UV in childhood can result in the earlier onset of cataract.

• Pterygium: a white or creamy fleshy growth on the surface of the eye. Often seen in our patients who have spent a lot of time outdoors especially in their childhood.

Our Optometrist Linda having grown up in New Zealand and with their lack of Ozone layer has the milder version of this condition - pinguecula.

• Squamous cell carcinoma of the cornea or conjunctiva: thankfully a rare tumour of the surface of the eye.

We will have been exposed to 50% of our lifetimes sunshine by the time we are 18 years old therefore it is critical that we start protecting our eyes from day one. Here are a few handy hints when considering sunglasses for your children.

• Always buy sunglasses that block the maximum amount (99 to 100%) of both types of UV-A and UV-B rays, fit closely to the face and have larger lenses for more coverage.

• Not just any sunglasses will do. Putting low-quality sunglasses on your child is worse than wearing no glasses at all. This is because poor-quality sunglasses can cause your child's pupils to dilate - therefore letting more UVA and UVB rays into the eyes without offering the protection. Ensure the sunglasses have a UV filter not just a tinted lens.

14 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

• Many people like polarized lenses, which reduce glare and surface reflections. Snow reflections increase UV by 80%, water reflections increase UV by 25%, and sand 15%. Our Optometrist Linda raves about hers!

• Choosing polycarbonate lenses can provide extra impact resistance, if your child will be wearing them for sports/outdoor activities.

• Remember to replace sunglasses once the lenses become scratched as the UV filter may be compromised.

• In addition to sunglasses, wear a hat to reduce overall exposure to UV rays.

• Don't look directly at the sun and teach your children not to as well.

• For very young children limit the amount of time spent outside during the peak hours of sunshine (11am to 2pm).

Choosing sunglasses can be difficult as not all children enjoy wearing sunglasses, especially the first few times. To encourage them to wear them, let your child select a style they like — whether it is footballs, butterflies or even angry birds!

And don't forget that kids want to be like grown-ups. If you wear sunglasses regularly, your kids may be willing to follow your example. Playing peek-a-boo with them will also help. Providing sunglasses early in childhood will encourage the habit of wearing them in the future.

At Downes Opticians we are at the forefront of providing comprehensive eye care and education for all the family. We provide a great range of children’s sunglasses which are all 100% UVA and UVB protected. We provide both prescription and nonprescription sunglasses starting from £20. And as we are always bang on trend, we even have children’s RayBans, which are ever so cool and adorable.

We look forward to helping you with any questions or concerns you have, please contact us on 0131 553 5358 or alternatively through our website www.downesopticians.com.

A-TISH-OOO!!

Your first sign of spring?

The clocks have changed; sun is shining... for now; and Nature beckons.

But being outdoors for some of us comes with a big price tag:

Cough, wheeze, sneeze; itchy, red, swollen eyes; sore throat, fatigue and even depression – all thanks to Allergic Rhinitis – or Hayfever to you and me. In fact, hayfever can be triggered by a range of airborne allergens - from pollens and grasses to dust mites, pet hair, mould spores and fibres – and an estimated 12 million people in Britain, children and adults alike, suffer the consequences...

Forget the tissues, pass the salt and read on: Antihistamines, steroids, local honey, and smearing the nasal passages with Vaseline are all commonly known remedies. But lesser known, though long acknowledged as an effective treatment, is aerosol salt – or Salt Therapy – 100% natural and drug-free, providing long-term relief from hayfever and other respiratory tract problems.

Simply by breathing in micro particles of medical grade salt, in a relaxing salt treatment room, Nature takes care of the rest. Bactericidal properties help fight infection; salt is also an effective decongestant; and salt therapy helps eliminate pollen particles from the airways. As a complimentary treatment, it can enhance the effectiveness or even lower the dose of prescribed medications.

So step inside for a while, take a nice clean breath, and prepare to enjoy Spring at last... Help is at hand at The Salt Cave Edinburgh, 0131 5101091, www.saltcave.co.uk The Salt Cave in Meadowbank is open 7 days a week, plenty of 1 hour sessions to suit even the busiest of timetables, and your first session is free!

Are you a parent who wants to generate a part-time income helping other parents?

Or are you a complementary therapist looking for ways to expand your services and increase your revenue? Perhaps you're a health professional searching for ways to enhance the work you do with parents and their children?

Regardless of your circumstances, attending our Infant Massage training course will give you the skills and knowledge to successfully teach infant massage to parents and carers. Please give Kate a call if you’d like to know about training with the International Association of Infant Massage in Edinburgh this June on 01379 677335 or email enquiries@childways.co.uk

Nursery Highly qualified and experienced staff Newly developed spacious outdoor area Children age 18months – 5 years Maximum of 13 children per session cared for in a mixed age group In partnership with City of Edinburgh Council

A Small step from home 20 Valleyfield Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LR Tel: Jess on 0131 229 7889 info@busybeesnurseryedinburgh.com

www.busybeesnurseryedinburgh.com

International Association of Infant Massage

Training in EDINBURGH 2013 The I.A.I.M. Certified Infant Massage Instructor course offers a high professional standard of training. Successful completion of the course provides the skills, knowledge and qualification to teach infant massage to parents and carers. We invite you to consider if you would like to teach other parents how to massage their baby.

International Trainer Kate Pigeon-Owen will be providing the four day training in Edinburgh on the following dates:

June 17,18,19, & 20th 2013 Attendance at a full four-day course is required Cost per delegate is £495 including weighted demonstration doll For 50 years Real Foods has been selling organic fruit, vegetables, grains and many other products. We are passionate about knowing who and where our foods are coming from. By investing in Soil Association certification we have full traceability on our organic produce.

When we say our products are organic you can be certain that they have been produced to some of the highest organic standards out there, we can even tell you where your food was grown and who by. Real Foods, 37 Broughton Street, EH1 and 8 Brougham Street, EH3

’This course exceeded my expectations in every way.’

Local mother , near Edinburgh IIf you would like more information or to talk to the trainer Kate please contact us at Childways: Tel 01379 677335 email enquiries@childways.co.uk www.childways.co.uk

15 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

2

Parent Parent Jessica Kiddle is a freelance journalist. She lives in Edinburgh with her one-year old son, Conover, and her partner Michael.

Favourite shop: Clemintine's in Bruntsfield. Amazing for the disorganised mummy who needs a last minute gift, I defy anyone to walk into that shop and not come out with something that they don't need.

Favourite park:

The Meadows. It’s right opposite my flat and I head there at least twice a week come rain, hail or shine. I’ve done too many loops of them to count but, for me, it never gets old. I head straight down Middle Meadow Walk, grab a takeaway hot chocolate, and then aim for whatever play park has a free seat on the swings. Thanks to the development at the old Royal Infirmary, if you squint a bit, the skyline looks like it could belong in New York.

Favourite day out: It has to involve the Little Life back pack and either a Favourite family holiday spot: beach or a hill. Last summer we took advantage of a rare sunny day and went to Tyninghame beach. Conover loves riding up high on Daddy’s back and it meant we were able to scramble up and down the sand dunes to find a secluded spot.

Favourite child friendly restaurant: Falko’s in Bruntsfield. I love

places that are kiddy orientated, but sometimes it’s nice to go to somewhere that reminds you of your old life. I went there a lot before Conover was born – but it has highchairs – so now I go with him for a decent pastry and a cup of coffee.

We haven’t been yet, but I can’t wait to go to Cape Town. We lived there for three years before we had children. Not only am I desperate to introduce the wee man to my friends there, but I would love to enjoy our favourite beaches and vineyard picnic spots with him- not to mention soak up the sun.

Best children’s book: Guess How Much I Love You? – the pop-up

edition....It’s got to the stage where we have to hide it from him until bedtime otherwise he points to it and tried to get to it all day long....

Proudest eco-friendly moment: My friends and I have a bit of a Best children DVD:

clothes recycling circle going on. We just put out initials on the label and keep passing the pieces on to whoever needs them...at this age they rarely wear things that much so they are all in perfect condition.

No parent should be without: Aden + Anais

www.adenandanais.co.uk) swaddles. With stylish designs, these extra large swathes of super soft fabric serve as both a muslin cloth and swaddling blanket – what more could you need?! (see our fab competition on the next page!)

Parenting pet hates: When I am trying to get in or out of a shop or café, I

don’t understand people who stare at you struggling with both a pram and a heavy door yet don’t get up to help.

Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): Conover has had a hearty chuckle since he was about 8 weeks old. When I hear that deep laugh I can’t help but laughing too.

Most embarrassing moment (with child): Mmmmmmm, as his wilful side is in the process of emerging, I feel the worst is yet to come.

Funniest comment (from child):

If only! We are still working on making Conover associate the words ‘mama’ and ‘dada’ with the right people. At the moment he’ll point to anyone and say it.

The Baby Eintstein series – I picked one up at a charity shop for a £1 one day and thought I would give it a go. He was totally memorised by it, so I bought a whole heap more for rainy days where I need 10 minutes quiet time.

Most played with toys: The hoover and the mobile phone charger. I

have to say he’s also very fond of the wooden pull-along frog he got for Christmas. He takes it everywhere with him – but can lift it up now and shake it around making it pretty lethal.

Most successful recipe/food:

Annabel Karmel, oh how I love thee.

Any of her recipes are a sure-fire hit, but I have to say his Granny’s macaroni cheese is still the meal that goes down best.

Why you like living where you do:

Having grown up here, I feel like I belong and can never go for a walk without seeing one or two familiar faces. I love living in the city but near a patch of green, near coffee shops and bars but close enough to the country to make my escape. It’s the ideal balance.

Together with Edinburgh-based nanny, Sarah Carpenter, Jessica is the co-founder of parenting blog themummyyears. A mix of expert advice, product news and musings on motherhood, their widely-read blog is a place where mummies and daddies can come for help and support. Visit themummyyears.com for more information, or join the conversation at www.facebook.com/themummyyears

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

16 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

Competitions EPIC is a 3D CG action-adventure comedy that reveals a hidden world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle deep in the forest between the forces of good who keep the natural world alive and the forces of evil who wish to destroy it. When a teen age girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she must band together with a rag-tag team of fun and whimsical characters in order to save their world...and ours. The film is released on 22nd May and we have three sets of fantastic EPIC goodies to giveaway!

For your chance to win one of 3 packs of film goodies including a t-shirt, adventure set, garden set, lunch bag, paint your own mug, stationery set, holographic magnets and card puzzle just go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

we have Five pairs of tickets up for grabs to gardening Scotland Gardening Scotland 2013 is a great day out for all the family with something for budding gardeners of every age.

Dozens of award-winning nurseries will be packing The New Hopetoun Gardens Floral Hall with fabulous plants while The Barratt Homes Show Gardens will provide you with inspiration for your own plot and The Living Garden allows you to discover new ways of living in harmony with nature.

Some of Scotland’s top chefs will be behind the hot plates in the Cookery Theatre showing visitors how to make the most of produce picked fresh from the garden and dozens of small food companies will be filling the Food Fayre with a fine array of delicious treats. The kids can run off some steam in The Big Back Garden which is dedicated to family fun. More than 400 exhibitors take part in Gardening Scotland selling everything you need to make the most of your outdoor space and this year gardening celebrities Alys Fowler and Katie Rushworth will be giving gardeners advice on everything from growing fruit for jam to how to create a family-friendly garden. Friday, 31 May until Sunday, 2 June at The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Advance tickets cost £14 (Fri) or £12 (Sat/Sun), a £2 saving on the gate price. Kids go FREE. Book online at www.gardeningscotland.com where you can also enter the GreenThumb prize draw or call 0131 333 0965 for more information.

For your chance to win a pair of tickets go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

aden + anais, the leading swaddling brand whose iconic muslins are easy to spot thanks to their exclusive prints and superior quality, are giving away 10 packs of their new Make Believe swaddles worth £44.95 each!

The Make Believe print is gender neutral so is an ideal gift for parents-to-be or parents who prefer to avoid traditional baby colours. The muslin's light, open weave allows a baby's body temperature to regulate itself naturally, helping to reduce the risk of over-heating. And the more you wash aden + anais muslins, the softer they become! The swaddles measure 120cm x 120cm which means that once baby has finished swaddling, the multi-functional muslins can be used as anything from a nursing or pram cover to a car seat liner or blanket making them excellent value for money.

For more information visit www.adenandanais.co.uk

For your chance to win just go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

Ethan (Theo Stevenson – Horrid Henry) and Jaden (Akai - Streetdance) have a plan - recruit a crew, stage a talent show, raise lots of money and save their youth club from demolition...all whilst Ethan impresses the girl of his dreams with his dancing skills. Trouble is Ethan can't dance, Jaden's parents have banned him from dancing and their new crew - the ‘All Stars’ turn out to be totally uncoordinated!

Together, they must overcome these obstacles, starting with convincing Gina (Ashley Jensen), the manager of their youth club, their plan stands a chance.

With the demolition men moving in, Ethan and Jaden race against the clock to bring everybody together and attempt to pull off the biggest achievement of their lives.

In spectacular 3D and also featuring a stellar support cast including Kimberley Walsh and John Barrowman, ALL STARS is a funny, heartwarming,rollercoaster ride out in cinemas on 3rd May. To celebrate the release, we have 10 exciting goody bags including limited edition ALL STARS treats as well as DVDs of STREETDANCE 1 & 2 and HORRID HENRY!

For your chance to win go to www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/win

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

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

Pottery Painting & Craft Studio

Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and potter's wheel, 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

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Pelvic Floor

Sleep

As a woman you are probably aware of your pelvic floor and religiously do your pelvic floor exercises every time you hear the word “pelvic floor”. Unfortunately for most of us those two little words aren’t mentioned that often (although I’m sure you did a little squeeze as you read them just now!)

Sleep is important. We all need it to function effectively during the day – and this includes our babies and toddlers.

1 in 3 women aged between 35 and 55 years have stress incontinence so they wet themselves a little bit every time they cough/sneeze/laugh/jump/foolishly find themselves on a trampoline with the kids.

Did you read that bit? A THIRD of your peers don’t have full bladder control. They are padding themselves up and hoping that it will go away – an estimated fifth of sanitary towels purchased are used for bladder control issues.

Evidence shows doing three exercises, three times a day for three months will improve most cases of simple stress incontinence. There isn’t a medication or operation as effective.

What should your pelvic floor do?

The job of your pelvic floor is to lift. As it lifts it supports the neck of your bladder and holds it shut against the force of your intra-abdominal pressure, which is raised every time you laugh or cough or do the things which cause you to leak.

What can cause poor bladder control?

There are four main causes – a weak pelvic floor; a spasm-ing pelvic floor; an irritable bladder; pelvic organ prolapse or a mixture of them all. Naturally, pregnancy and birth increase your risk, but never having had children or only having had c-sections does not necessarily protect you. The muscles hang from bone and ligaments – and, as you age, the ligaments stretch.

So, let’s have a closer look at these three exercises.

Exercise One: The first one is a firm clench held for a count of 10 seconds. You know that feeling you get when you are bursting for a wee - that squeeze is you working your pelvic floor. Hold for 10 seconds, and, when you let go, you should feel a “drop” No “drop” and you’ve lost the contraction,.

But if your baby or child isn’t sleeping you might have got yourself into the position where you’ll try anything to get them to sleep. You probably know in the long run it’s not the right thing to do - much the same as if you lose your phone you know that looking in the fridge isn’t going to be where you find it but you try it anyway.

Researchers and academics interested in sleep are finding that it is normal for babies and toddlers to wake frequently in the night. It’s also normal for babies and toddlers to want their parents in the night. We also know from research that calming babies and toddlers helps them learn to calm themselves. When we help our children in the night (or at any time) by attending to their distress, we help them to develop the tools, both physiologically and emotionally, to calm themselves.

This is not to say that we should just resign ourselves to years of sleepless nights if our little ones do not sleep though!

There are some top tips that can help them (and us) to manage our night time parenting more effectively • Your child needs to know that sleep is a safe and comfortable place to be. You can help to create this positive association by rocking, feeding, cradling, or however else your child naturally falls to sleep in a safe and comforted way • Create sleep routines to help your child know that is it sleepy time. Routines might be

Exercise Two The second exercise is 10 quick flicks. Remember to relax after you’ve done the 10.

• Visual – e.g. drawing of curtains

Exercise Three The third exercise is to imagine your vagina is a lift, and take it to the first floor, up to the second floor and then the third floor, then back down to the second floor, the first floor and then relax. It’s a way of engaging all the muscle fibres and getting them to work against gravity, and it’s a tricky one!

• Use of smell- lavender balm or plug in oil burner

Hold for 10, 10 quick flicks, up 3 floors and back down again. 10, 10, 3. Three times a day, every day.

Try doing them lying down first of all. If you can manage that progress to sitting, standing, and then walking.

How do you know you are doing the exercises correctly? Without an internal examination it can be hard to tell – but, generally, if you are bouncing up and down on the chair you are working your buttocks and not your pelvic floor. If you are purple in the face you’re just using your abdominals, try breathing at the same time!

10, 10, 3 and relax 10, 10, 3 and relax. 10, 10, 3 and relax. Every day for the rest of your life.

It will take a good month to see any difference at all, and up to 6 months before you are dry. Once you get there, you can reduce the exercises to once a day. If it doesn’t work for you, or the exercises are painful – see your GP and ask for a referral to a women’s health physio or a urogynaecologist.

Stress incontinence is a debilitating condition which interferes with everything. People laugh and joke to disguise how relentless and wearing it is.

• Auditory – singing, story, a specific set of words e.g. “shh, it’s sleepy time” , soothing cd • Sensory – touch, stroking, rocking, cradling • Once you have created your sleepy time routines, you can use these through the night when your baby wakes to encourage sleep again • Remember that night time is a long time for a baby!

Does he/ she just need to re-connect with you? Is co-sleeping something that might work for your family? Refer to safety guidelines if you are considering this.

• Relax when you can and forget about unnecessary chores!

Dr Sarah Hulme Connected Parenting – 1-1 consultations and workshops sarah@connectedparenting.co.uk 07833 220588

“Oh, I laughed until the tears ran down my leg” led to my setting up Gusset Grippers – pelvic floor parties. You get your friends together for wine and nibbles and I bring anatomical models and explain what your pelvic floor is, what it does and why having a good one is smashing.

The hope is that busts the taboo and your friends become a selfsupporting group. Geddit?

Elaine Miller is a physiotherapist with a hobby of stand up comedy and will be presenting Gusset Grippers at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 1-25th August, 1200 at The Newsroom.

For more information or to book a party see www.gussetgrippers.weebly.com @gussiegrips, or call on 07976 224190.

1-1 consultations • Sleep Workshops • Toddler Workshops • BabyCalm classes • ToddlerCalm classes

Dr. Sarah Hulme sarah@connectedparenting.co.uk “Psychology for happier babies and toddlers”

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Getting

girls back on track

A few years ago, psychologist Steve Biddulph was advising parents of boys on how to raise them to avoid a battery of difficulties. Now he’s back with a formula for how to raise girls. Joanna Moorhead, a mother of four daughters, asked him what matters most.

The day after I gave birth to our fourth daughter, my husband was involved in a puzzling exchange with our neighbour. The baby had been born at home overnight, so the neighbour was keen to hear the news over the garden fence. “It’s another girl,” announced my husband excitedly.

“Oh,” said the neighbour, looking downcast. “And are you very disappointed?”

Gary and I enjoyed telling the story, and we enjoy telling it to this day, because disappointment was truly the very last emotion we felt when our lovely little Catriona arrived to www.littlesunflowers.com join her big sisters Rosie, Elinor and Miranda. Raising boys may, for all I know, be every bit as exciting and fun-filled as raising girls; but the truth is, I know nothing about it. I’m sure it’s similar, but I’m sure there are also ways in which it’s different: and the point is that, by the time Avoid all sex-stereotyped toys and products like the plague. From her earliest days, think Catriona was born, I was already quite certain that bringing up girls was a not about what material possessions you are giving your daughter: instead, concentrate on fabulous task to be taking centre- stage in my life. So, from the moment the how you’re making her feel. line went blue on my pregnancy test, I was secretly hoping for another From birth to two, he explains, all that really matters to a baby girl is that she feels safe and daughter. And when she finally landed, Gary and I couldn’t have been more loved.

In a world where the arrival of a little girl is often seen as an invitation to start thrilled. showering her with possessions – cute outfits, a pretty bedroom – he advocates forgetting Fast-forward ten years, and it’s still every bit as wonderful now as it was all about what she has (especially if it’s of the ‘girly’ variety) and concentrating entirely on back then. But the last few years have brought a few scary moments – and, how welcome, and wanted, and loved she is in your life. The deep- rooted confidence that explains psychologist Steve Biddulph, I’m certainly not the only parent of brings will, he promises, be something she carries with her right through her life. daughters to have discovered that. Fifteen years ago, Biddulph leapt to fame From two to five, a little girl starts feeling interested in the world around her: now, she needs when his ground-breaking book ‘Raising Boys’ tackled the difficulties that to be introduced to the world as an exciting and fascinating place, a place full of adventures. were making life tough for parents of boys – rising rates of ADHD,

Biddulph’s advice is simple

aggressive behaviour, teenage drinking. Back then, he says, “girls were doing just fine”. But no longer. “It all started to change about five years ago.

We began to see a sudden and marked plunge in girls’ mental health.

Problems such as eating disorders and self-harm, which once had been extremely rare, were now happening in every classroom and every street.

And more than this, the average girl was stressed and depressed in a way she hadn’t been before.”

So now Biddulph is back with a new book aimed at parents with girls. And the message he wants to give us is that, from their earliest times, we need to bomb-proof them from what he calls “a world that seems bent on poisoning their confidence and trashing their lives”.

What the onslaught is all about, says Biddulph, is the fact that advertisers have fixed their beady eyes on our pre-teen daughters: they’ve realised that little girls are extremely malleable from a marketing point of view, and they’ve gone all-out to sell them not only pink-clad dolls and sex-typed toys, but also sexualised clothes (long, long before any little girl should be thinking about looking attractive to the opposite sex) and pre-adolescent make-up.

From five to ten it’s all about people skills – what she most needs to discover, says Biddulph, is that while her feelings are very important indeed, other people’s feelings matter too.

With the coming of puberty, a girl’s thoughts shift towards what Biddulph calls ‘finding her soul’: if she is helped and encouraged to find what he calls her ‘spark’, some passion or interest that she cares deeply about and is willing to invest her time in, that will help her to find fulfilment through her entire life. It’s an empowering message: best of all, for parents like me, is Biddulph’s conviction that the family and the adults surrounding a girl are the most important elements in helping light the fire that will burn through all her days. If girlhood has sometimes seemed scary, Biddulph reminds us that it’s exciting and enriching – and guides us through the skills that will help us help our daughters, time after time.

Steve Biddulph’s Raising Girls is published by HarperCollins, £12.99

Pelvic Floor Parties At Your Place

Presented by a Physio-stand-up-comic

£10 per head (min 6 people) includes exercise sheets, bladder diaries, and a right good laugh

Quote "Families" for a 20% discount

07976 224190

www.gussetgrippers.weebly.com @gussiegrips on twitter

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summer

Camps and aCtivities

The school holidays may feel a long way off but they’ll be here before you know it! And that’s at least 6 long weeks that need filling. Reading through all the fab activities on offer for the kids will probably make you wish you were young enough to go to them too! wESTwOODS SUPERSTARS – mULTI ACTIVITY CAmP FOR CHILDREN

www.mandco.com

Westwoods Superstars is a daytime activities camp for children aged 5-12 years old based at Westwoods Health Club. The club is situated within the stunning grounds of Fettes College ensuring your child can enjoy exciting activities in a fun and safe environment. Activities include swimming, indoor and outdoor sports, arts and crafts, traditional games, trips to local attractions and much more!!! The Camp runs Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm – and you can drop your children off from 8.30am and pick up until 5.30pm. After a successful camp at Easter, our summer camp commences on 15th July and ends on 9th August (15th – 19th July, 22nd – 26th July, 29th July – 2nd August, 5th – 9th August). 3-4 Day packages are also available.

For more information or to make a booking, please call Westwoods on 0131 332 5777 or visit our website: www.westwoodshealthclub.com or e- mail westwoods@fettes.com

SUmmER AT EDINBURgH DANCE ACADEmY

ExCEL SPORTS

EDA are very excited to be running a Summer School again this year.

This will take place in Broughton High School’s state of the art dance studios from Monday 29 July – Saturday 3 August. There will be workshops in Ballet (taught by Julie Mitchell, the only RAD examiner in Edinburgh) Commercial Jazz, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Each day will run from 9.30am – 2.00pm. We will close the week with a show. There will be 3 age groups. Junior, Mid and Senior. All are welcome from age 5yrs up. Numbers are limited so please call Suzie to book 0131 337 3402.

If it’s anything like last year you will have a ball! We did!

Excel Sports fun packed summer starts on the 1st July for 7 weeks until 16th August.

Catering for 5-16yrs from 8am - 6pm. We have a choice for the "All-Sports Camp" week or day booking including: team fun games, film making, daily sports tournaments, oscars ceremony and prize giving!! OR choose from a huge list of specialised weeks from swimming to Rock School, Tennis to Magic or Canoeing to Horse Riding. With 14 different activities we really do have the best choice.

Our staff is made up of PE teachers and students all in the grounds and amazing facilities of St George's School, Murrayfield. Excel is registered to allow you to use childcare vouchers. Check out our new website and view all the activities. Let your children "excel" this summer with Excel Sports, offering quality activity camps in Edinburgh for 17 years. www.excel-sports.co.uk

ENJOY-A-BALL

SCOTTISH YOUTH THEATRE

Are you looking for multi-activity magic for your child this summer?

Break up the school holidays with Enjoy-a-Ball’s fun packed holiday programme for children aged 4 -9. Sessions generally run from Monday – Friday, 9am – 1pm. Activities include a wide range of sports, creative games (guaranteed to capture your child’s imagination) and some arts and crafts / board games to provide a well-deserved breather.

Your child will be in a small, age appropriate group, and they will rotate through different activity stations to ensure that they try lots of different things while having loads of fun.

Places are limited and fill up quickly, so please book early to avoid missing out. Your child will love it and have a great time.

For more information and to book a place contact us on 08452 26 26 94 or complete an enquiry form on our website www.enjoy-a-ball.com

Are you interested in drama or theatre production? Or are you keen to explore the performing arts but not sure how to go about it? Scottish Youth Theatre's Summer Festival has something to offer to everyone.

Make your summer 2013 unforgettable: make new friends from all across the country who have similar interests as you, learn more about the performing arts in a unique and fun environment, and then at the end of your chosen course, perform in front of a live audience in a professional theatre venue. Summer Festival is the acclaimed, annual flagship event from Scotland’s national theatre 'for and by' young people.

Every summer hundreds of young people who are passionate about theatre and performance come from all over Scotland to take their theatre skills and experience to the next level.

Contact Scottish Youth Theatre on 0141 552 3988, email: info@scottishyouththeatre.org or visit www.scottishyouththeatre.org

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21 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 78

summer Camps and aCtivities RUgBYTOTS

SwIm SHARKS

Rugbytots are holding two fantastic summer camps for 5 to 7 year olds.

Each session will be structured to ensure that your child's technical understanding and development of skill’s improve, as well as inspiring confidence in their own ability. The sessions aim to improve your child’s passing, catching, kicking and decision making through numerous drills and games.

The sessions will be high tempo, enthusiastic and most importantly, fun. We will also emphasise teamwork, respect of others, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. Rugbytots believe these are important skills to take through life on and off the sporting field. The camps will provide the correct balance of skills and games, to ensure that they have a time to remember.

Camps will run on the weeks: 1st to 5th July 2013 - 9.30am - 12:30pm 5th to 10th August 2013 - 9:30am - 12:30pm Holyrood High School (Duddingston Road West, Edinburgh, EH15). Cost: £85 for the week.

Classes at www.rugbytots.co.uk and go to Edinburgh/Summer Camp 2012

Exciting Hip Hop Summer School at Dance Base Week 1 Mon 8 Jul - Fri 12 Jul I 09.30 - 15.30 Week 2 Mon 15 Jul - Fri 19 Jul I 09.30 - 15.30 Open to Children 7 - 9 and 10 - 12 A fantastic opportunity for kids to learn a variety of dance styles (street dance, breakin, poppin, lockin, house and capoeira) from experienced teachers as well as playing with photography, art and music video production. Each week promises to be extremely funky and lots of fun! There will be a chance to show off all the new moves to parents and family members on the Friday afternoon at the end of week show. Quick, places do sell out, so book online at dancebase.co.uk, over the phone on 0131 225 5525 or at 14-16 Grassmarket, Edinburgh, EH1 2JU. £97.50 per week or £87.50 each child for more than 1 child from the same family.

TUmBLE TOTS

KIP mCgRATH

DANCE FOR ALL

Tumble Tots are running Summer Playschemes for children from 3 to 7 years at Cluny Centre, Morningside. The children can be left in our care for the two and a half hours. They will play for an hour on the equipment, and will enjoy a healthy snack.

They will then spend about an hour on the arts and crafts, brio, jigsaws and playdough, finishing off with the parachute. All for £10.50 per child.

The morning sessions will run from 10am to 12.30pm, the afternoon sessions will run from 1.30pm to 4pm, we can only do afternoon sessions on the Tuesdays because of the Summer classes.

The dates for the Playschemes are Monday 15th, Tuesday 16th, Friday 19th, Monday 29th, Tuesday 30th July and Friday 2nd August 2013.

Summer Classes are also running for children from 6 months to 5 years on 4 of the 6 Tuesdays during the summer holidays in the morning at Cluny Centre, Morningside from Tuesday 9th July. Please call Jo on 01875 819966 for more information and to book your child a place for either the Playschemes or the Summer Classes, or email Jo on joletelier.lobos@virgin.net

Summer tutoring at Kip McGrath Edinburgh New Town–For professional tuition from age 4 to 18. Give your son or daughter the best start to the new school year.

Many parents worry about the effect of holidays on the education of their children. Statistics show that a long break over the summer means that children forget much of what they have learned and therefore start the new school year at a disadvantage. Summer tutoring at Kip McGrath could make all the difference.

Kip McGrath Tuition Centre in New Town provides professional tuition by fully qualified teachers, all of whom have a wealth of experience teaching in local schools. The Centres cater for the educational needs of both primary and secondary school children in a relaxed, friendly environment where children feel secure. Each 80 minute tutoring session involves the completion of 6 different multi sensory activities. As well as being enjoyable, this approach adds variety and maintains the interest of every child. We have proven methods of raising attainment. Our students achieve high marks in entrance exams and national tests. We are runnning sessions throughout the summer holidays.

For further information phone Indy on 01316106110, Kip McGrath Edinburgh (Central & North) Inverleith, Willowbrae and Morningside.

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.

Principal Director, Tracy Hawkes, leads an inspirational faculty of staff in over 70 weekly child, teen & adult classes (beginners to advanced), such as the popular Drop-In Adult Ballet.

Their popular Summer School (6-15yrs), priced £130, is the 5th-9th August and their Summer Intensive course (13-21yrs), £140, is the 10th-13th August. Did you know that dance can improve physical, cognitive and emotional health?

Find out more on their new website www.danceforall.co.uk browse timetables, testimonials, booking forms and photo galleries or call the office on 0131 226 5533.

TALKINg TOTS Talking Tots will be running classes during the summer. Check out the website for more information www.talkingtots.info/Edinburgh or contact Jen Cadger on 07803 820 677 or email jen@talkingtots.info

RAD Trained Teachers RAD Ballet Classes Graded & Vocational

Ballet - Modern - Jazz - Tap - Hiphop - Nursery Ballet Classes from 3 years to adult - Fairmilehead - Colinton - Firhill Excellent Royal Academy of Dance exam results 0131 6619590 07792152966 info@angelawatsonschoolofdance.co.uk www.angelawatsonschoolofdance.co.uk

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Swim Sharks are an Edinburgh-based, learn-to-swim school, providing quality swimming lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities – from complete beginners to club level swimmers. For further information please phone 07739874565. To book a place, visit View/Book. Lessons are available at Portobello High School and Oaklands School, Ferry Road.

Swim terms run for 8 weeks and all swimmers receive a FREE Swim Shark swim-cap, 2 report cards and a stage completion certificate.

For more information on our Holiday and Term Time swimming lessons please visit www.swimsharks.co.uk, email info@swimsharks.co.uk or call 0131 315 4996.

DANCE BASE - HIP HOP SUmmER SCHOOL

JUPITER ARTLAND - SUmmER ARTSPARKS Taking inspiration from “Scaffold” by artist Sam Durant, the workshop will involve building a group structure in the woods as well as investigating painting techniques that are on show in the gallery.

Suitable for 5-14 year olds – teaching will be in age appropriate groups. This is a two day course which will run on Wedneday 24th and Thursday 25th July from 10am - 3.30pm. £40 per day including materials. Limited spaces, booking essential. To book on this course please visit www.jupiterartland.org/whatson/for-kids or call 01506 889900.

STEP IT UP DANCE Step It Up Dance will be running exciting Breakdance, Street Dance, Hip Hop and Urban Activity camps for primary-age kids in the East of Edinburgh during July. Keep checking www.stepitupdance.co.uk & join their mailing list to be kept completely up to date.

summer Camps and aCtivities KEEP THEIR BRAIN ACTIVE OVER THE SUmmER HOLIDAYS wITH KUmON

Learning is just like exercise: take several weeks off and the treadmill feels a lot steeper when you finally get back on. It's no different with maths and reading. Research suggests that a long break without any mental activity can result in a decline of mathematical, reading and language skills as well as concentration levels.

Daily Kumon study can help make all the difference when it comes to keeping ‘in shape’ between school terms and throughout the year. At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Kumon’s unique worksheet-based method can help your child to excel in these subjects, develop their capacity for learning independently and boost their all-round confidence.

As we look to the start of a new school term after the summer holidays, it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects.

For more information, contact your local Instructor.

Currie Study Centre Anjeli Karanjkar 01506 884 894 Edinburgh, Corstorphine Study Centre Grant Jones 0131 334 1036 Edinburgh, Portobello Study Centre Deirdre Bracks 0131 669 9116 Edinburgh, Morningside Study Centre Christine Johnson 0131 466 9235 Edinburgh, Ravelston Study Centre Sheila Hannah 0131 315 3025 Haddington Study Centre Susan Pirie 01875 870 866

ACTINg OUT UK SUmmER DRAmA AND mUSICAL THEATRE CAmP The camp is open to all pupils aged between 7-19 (approx). A variety of performing arts will be covered, including acting, singing, improvisation and dancing. We will aim to keep the Child and Teen ages separate.

There will also be a big performance in the theatre at the end of the week (on the Saturday) for family and friends. We all had a great time last year! And the feedback from students and parents was excellent. We hope to do something similar for 4-6 Year Olds!

Dates: Wednesday 17th July to Saturday 20th July (four days) Times: 11am - 2pm Venue: Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge, EH1 1EL Price: £75. Special Early Bird Offer! Sign up before 31st May 2013, and pay only £65 for the week.

mATILDA! & mINI’S SUmmER SCHOOL

SUmmER CAKE CAmPS

Dynam-nic are offering a week BURSTING with fun for children from age 3 years!! Held at Craiglockhart Parish Church 15th - 19th July.

MINI's is a morning of dance and crafts. Designed just for little ones aged 3 & 4 years, each day they will make or decorate a different prop. Followed by snack time and finishing with a 45 minute Dynam-nic dance class. Mums can get 2 hours of rest and can enjoy the the week as your little ones make new friends and have tonnes of fun. Monday - Friday 10am-12pm.

Individual days can be booked MATILDA! Come on an adventure as we explore MATILDA THE MUSICAL! Over 5 days we will put together our own mini performance, including dance, song and drama scenes. We will also design and put together our own props and staging making the final performance even more exciting! Open to children aged 5-12 years, come along with friends for a guaranteed jam packed fun week. Monday - Friday 10am-4pm (drop off from 9am, pick up until 5pm) individual days can be booked Limited places so book now to avoid disappointment.

Contact Nicky for cost and more details on 07545551271 nicky@dndance.co.uk

Edinburgh's newest Cake Parlour specialising in childrens parties customised to your childs favourite things. Come along to our parlour in Morningside where your child can learn how to pipe buttercream using numerous techniques, make fondant decorations and amaze their friends with their unique one off creations.

Summer "cake camps" specialised days and weeks during summer holidays to cater for your up and coming baking stars Scrumptiousness Cake Parlour, 38 Morningside Road, Edinburgh EH10 4DA. www.scrumptiousness.co.uk enquiries@scrumptiousness.co.uk.

Tel 0131 447 1009

mAgIC SCHOOL wORKSHOPS (FOR 7-10 YEAR OLDS) Children will have the opportunity to learn, create and perform their own magic at a spell binding 2.5-hour session or attend a 5-day course for young magicians with a fun show for parents on the last day. Each of the 5 daily sessions is themed so that children learn in depth a new area of magic, from startling levitations to crazy card tricks. Over 400 children have already taken part. Want to learn how to make your friends float? Make everyday objects appear and disappear and meet some of the coolest magicians in Scotland? Then this workshop is for you!

Last year was a complete sell out so book tickets early to avoid disappointment. Magic newbies welcome!

5-Day Magic School • £85. Monday 1 July - Friday 5 July.

10.00am OR 1.30pm One-off Magic School Workshop • £15.

Sat 29 June - Sun 30 June. 10.00am OR 1.30pm. For further details and bookings please visit www.magicfest.co.uk or call box office 0131 473 2000

MORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUMMER CAMPS 8th July - 12th July 29th July - 2nd August 5th August - 9th August 15th July - 19th July The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach).

Each week will be broken down into 2 groups: 10am – 11.55am Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) £37.50 Members / £47.50 Non Members 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) £57.50 Members / £67.50 Non Members The camp is designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, play fun games, competitions and other sports.

Booking forms available from www.mortonhalltennis.org.uk

EDINBURgH LEISURE Summer Holidays with Edinburgh Leisure. At Edinburgh Leisure, we’ve got lots of great value activities to keep your kids healthy, active and happy over the Summer holidays. With over 20 different fun and exciting activities to choose from for tots right through to teenagers and activities ranging from golf, athletics, climbing and swimming to name a few - they’ll be spoilt for choice.

Our camps are flexible to suit everyone’s needs. With so many options available, in the form of week long, full days, 1⁄2 days or just a couple of hours – we have something for everyone.

For a full listing of all the camps we offer please visit www.edinburghleisure.co.uk or give us a call on 0131 458 2100.

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

Contact 0131 510 0328 www.spanishamigos.co.uk kirsty@spanishamigos.co.uk

SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes 8.30am -5.30pm from 1st July - 9th August at Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road, Edinburgh.

Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: Hip Hop/Breakdance; Outdoor Centre; Gymnastics and Boxing Full Day - £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00

Holiday Care – for children aged 4 1/2 - 12+ years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4 1/2 -7years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, hiphop/breakdance, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2013.

Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff.

For more information and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com SASCS is the trading name of Sciennes School After School Care Scheme Registered Scottish Charity Number: SCO23891

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summer Camps and aCtivities CAmP COOPER

Camp Cooper is a 2 week overnight summer camp in Crieff for children aged 10 -16. Your time at Camp Cooper is an adventure where every day is BURSTING with new & exciting things to do! The atmosphere is full of excitement as campers try to solve Mission Impossible, perform at campfires & battle to win the colour war!

With over 20 years experience, Camp Cooper offers campers the opportunity to plan their perfect summer with a choice of activities including sports, arts & crafts, drama, outdoor adventure, media, football, tennis and the apprentice.

Camp Cooper is the perfect choice for families interested in filling their childs summer with fun, adventure and opportunities to gain confidence, develop new skills and make new friends from around the world. Space is now limited, register early to avoid missing out. New Experiences, New Friendships, New Adventures!

Phone: 03333 44 00 77 Email: donna@internationalsummercampuk.com Website: www.internationalsummercampuk.com

EDINBURgH mONTESSORI ARTS SCHOOL Unwind - Parent and baby/toddler group this summer at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School. A little time out for you and your child. Explore with your little one in our beautiful, child centred environment. Songs, stories, sensory play and activities for babes in arms to three year olds. Drop in sessions Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the summer holidays 9.30am- 11.30am £4.50 per session. Book ahead – 6 sessions £22. Weekly Summer Clubs for 4 - 7 year olds 1st July - 9th August. 9am 1pm. Come and join us for a summer of fun! 0131 446 0777 or go to www.emaschool.co.uk Edinburgh Montessori Arts School, Mill House, Tower Mains Studio, 18N Liberton Brae, Edinburgh, EH16 6AE

mORTONHALL TENNIS CLUB SUmmER CAmPS

Drama School for Everyone Drama

Theatre * Musical * Public Speaking Training Classes for Adults, Teens & Children (from 4+) Performances & Qualifications

www.actingoutuk.com 07704 714 607 clare@actingoutuk.com Morningside and Meadowbank locations

Individual Coaching and Workshop Hire

8 - 12th, 15th - 19th July, 28th July 2nd August, 5th - 9th August Mortonhall Tennis Club is hosting tennis camps over the Summer Holidays. The camps will be run by Dan Murray (Senior Club Coach, First Aid & PVG) & his team.

Each week is broken down into 2 groups: 10am – 11.55am Mini Tennis Camp (Approx. 5-9 Years) This is aimed at children of primary school age playing with soft/ low compression tennis balls 1pm – 4pm Junior Tennis Camp (Approx.10-16 Years) This is aimed at children who are 10 years or older. The level covers beginners right up to junior team players. Open also to under 10’s who are already playing to a certain level.

The camp is designed to give the players the chance to improve on their technical and tactical skills, enjoy multi-sports, and take part in competitions for prizes. A wet weather programme will operate in the event of bad weather; the club house will be used for indoor games, quizzes and tennis videos. As soon as it is playable we will be back out on court. Mini Tennis (mornings) £37.50 (members) £47.50 (non members) Junior Tennis (afternoons) £57.50 (members) £67.50 (non members) There is a 10% discount on 3 or more bookings from the same family.

If you have any queries please contact Dan on 07875 192530 or dancmurray@hotmail.co.uk

FENCINg FUN Fencing Fun are running a two day taster camp on Tuesday, 30th and Wednesday 31st July for an hour each day, for groups Primary 1-3 and 4-7 at Broughton High School. To book a place or for more information, visit our website www.fencingfun.co.uk. The class sizes are restricted so it is important to book early. We are also available for birthday parties! 07921853728

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JO JINgLES Jo Jingles music and movement classes are back at the Edinburgh Fringe following our successful sell out shows last year. This year our theme is Edinburgh so come and join the adventures with Big Jo while he enjoys a staycation in our home town, we will be jumping aboard a big red bus and heading off to take in many of the famous city sights. Like our music classes which start from 3 months this show has something for all ages, we will have musical instruments to play and lots of fun props, come and join the fun! If you attend classes then contact your class teacher for tickets or alternatively contact the fringe box office.

August 9th and 10th at Craiglockhart Parish Church. For more information or details on our local classes please contact Susan (East Edinburgh) on 620 322 or Joanne (West Edinburgh) 443 4196.

A-STAR SPORTS A-Star Sports offers inclusive, developmental multi-sports coaching for children. Our holiday clubs focus on a high-energy combination of games, sports and all-round active entertainment for children aged 3+*. Building on a fun ABCbased programme (agility, balance and coordination), your child will be introduced to and develop the skills for a broad range of sports, including basketball, cricket, dodgeball, football, handball, hockey, rounders, rugby, tennis and volleyball.

Plus additional activities inspired by sport in the news in celebration of sporting events around the world that keep us sporty grown-ups gripped! With small group sizes and step-by-step support in a positive environment, your child will have a memorable multi-sports experience.

Contact Alister Ramm 07762224534/ Brian Droudge 07876021073 or alister.ramm@a-starsports.co.uk/ brian.droudge@a- starsports.co.uk www.a-starsports.co.uk/localclasses/edinburgh-north-west

summer Camps and aCtivities DRAmA STUDIO SUmmER HOLIDAY CAmPS FOR AgES 4 - 14

The Drama Studio's Summer holiday camp activities include Drama, Art and Craft, puppets, filming, song and dance,dressing up, soft ball games, parachute games and performing usually include outdoor games such as football, boules, racket games, skipping etc weather permitting.

Our venues are Wardie Church Halls, Primrose Bank Road, Edinburgh 15th-19th July.

Fairmilehead Church Halls, Frogston Road West 22nd-26th July and 29th July-2nd Aug. Until June 1st Special early prices for full week places. Full Days - 9.30am - 4pm - £115.

Morning - 9.30am - 1pm - £65. Afternoons - 1.30pm - 4pm - £50. Afternoons 1.30pm - 4pm -£12 per afternoon drop-in. Senior Afternoon Courses (over 10’s) 1.30 - 4pm During the Summer we will be also running afternoon courses specifically for ages 10+ The cost of these courses is £65 .

These will be: Wardie - Murder On The..........? (Final word to be decided by the group!)

Fairmilehead Week 1 - Murder On The...............? Fairmilehead Week 2 - Rags To Riches Musical Theatre. For more info and to book visit www.thedramastudio.com or e-mail julie@thedramastudio.com Phone - 0131-453-3284

DOODLES DOODLES July and August Summer Art Club: 10.30am – 12.30pm daily. Suitable for Age 7 and up (Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult). We will be using a variety of mediums all week and activities will include clay modelling, decopatch and painting. Messy fun always guaranteed and you will have some great mementos of your summer holidays. Cost per week will be £55 including mid morning juice and snack.

15th - 19th July and 5th - 9th August Mon: Fishy fun, model your own underwater aquarium Tues: Fabulous fireworks, paint your own Edinburgh festival theme plate Wed: Crazy crystals, decorate your funky fish and aquarium items made on Monday Thurs: Jazzy jewels, make your own necklace.

Fri: Delightful decopatch, decorate your own money box.

Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, 0131 229 1399

Providing individual and small group computer lessons for children and adults of all ages.

Lessons include...

Touch-typing Maths & Literacy Tuition Powerpoint

Desktop Publishing Word Processing Computer art

...and much, much more!

19 Morningside Drive, Edinburgh 0131 447 5893 www.whizzkids.uk.com gillian@whizzkids.uk.com

wHIzzKIDS Whizzkids will be running a range of fun computer courses throughout the summer holidays. The courses allow children to learn and develop essential computer skills including touch-typing, word processing, creating professional-looking projects and PowerPoint presentations and learning about keeping safe online. For creative kids there is a computer art course where they can create designs to transfer onto mugs and gym bags, as well as make stickers, cards and other works of art! If your child needs to brush up on maths and/or literacy we have a great range of educational software that makes learning fun, including Nessy Learning Programme and Nessy Numbers – an exceptionally popular and effective range of educational software. With small classes, courses can also be customised to suit your child’s needs so if you would like to include any other areas of learning in your child’s course, just ask!

Courses will run weekly from 1st July to w/c 29th July inclusive.

For further information visit www.whizzkids.uk.com, email gillian@whizzkids.uk.com or call Gillian on 0131 447 5893.

SASCS

gARDEN gNOmE CLUB

SASCS will be running 2 Summer Schemes again this year, Monday 1st July to Friday 9th August 2013, 8.30am - 5.30pm in Sciennes Primary School, 10 Sciennes Road Edinburgh, EH9 1LG. Sports Camp – for children aged 8 -12+years Sports Camp will offer the children the opportunity to experience a range of different sports including: Hip Hop/Breakdance; Outdoor Centre; Gymnastics and Boxing. Full Day £25.00; Full Day Trip - £28.00 Holiday Care – for children aged 4.5 12+years (but primarily aimed at children aged 4.5 -7years) Holiday Care offers a range of activities including; craft, hiphop/breakdance, science, baking, swimming and outdoor games as well as outings to the beach, Botanic Gardens, Camera Obscura, etc. Qualified Nursery Nurses on the staff team mean we can accommodate children who will be P1 at Sciennes PS in Aug 2013. Full Day - £19.00; Half Day - £11.50; Trip - £24.00 Both schemes are run by experienced and qualified staff. For more information and booking forms phone 0131 662 4810 and speak to Sonia/Lindsey or email sascs@btinternet.com

Monday 29th July - Friday 2nd August | 10.15am - 3.45pm | £120 Do you like adventure?

Follow in the footsteps of some of the great plant hunters and learn useful expedition skills on your journey round the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

From tropical rainforest one day to desert lands the next and some precious native woodland along the way we'll take you round the world on a plant hunt to find out some of the plants in our collection and the habitats they come from.

Garden Gnome Club is a holiday activity group focussed on creative outdoor play for 8 - 12 year olds. There will be a range of group activities with an artistic and environmental focus such as treasure hunts, storytelling, drama games and digital photography. It’s a chance to explore the Royal Botanic Garden of Edinburgh thoroughly with a range of fun and imaginative activities.

What do the garden gnomes do when you’re not looking? There’s only one way to find out! Call 0131 248 1040 to book now!

LE-STUDIO Le-Studio offers an action packed summer camp with a difference for children P5 - P7 • A small group of 10 children maximum.

For individual and personal care • French and Spanish classes: with a native speaker • Outdoor activities: jogs, ball games, tai chi...

• Art & Craft activities: drawing, cupcakes decorating, nail art, origami..

Morning - Afternoon - All day - All week sessions: from 8.30 am till 5.30 pm Mon 1st - Fri 5th July, Mon 8th - Fri 12th July, Mon 29 th July - Fri 2nd August, Mon 5th Fri 9th August le-studio@hotmail.co.uk 0775 2214676 www.le-studio.co.uk

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The RSPB speaks out for birds and wildlife, tackling the problems that threaten our environment. Nature is amazing – help us keep it that way.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is a registered charity: England and Wales no. 207076, Scotland no. SC037654

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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 October 2013.

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). 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! Chambers Street, Edinburgh Thursdays during term time magic Carpet minis 10:30 and 11:30 (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. Chambers Street, Edinburgh 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. Chambers Street, Edinburgh Saturday 4th May Colinton market-Place An everchanging market full of handcrafted goods and quality gifts. A percentage of takings will be split between Marie Curie and Macmillan. Free Entry, kids crafts and refreshments. 2 - 4pm St Cuthbert's Episcopal Church Hall, 1 Westgarth Avenue, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0BB

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

Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 May Spa In The City Edinburgh’s popular free beauty event takes place in St Andrew’s Square. For more information and to find out how to book a treatment go to www.essentialedinburgh.co.uk Saturday 4 - Sunday 5 May Together for Turtles 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages.

The Marine Conservation Society will be showcasing some of their work with endangered turtles. Come and visit us to find out what we do to help some of Scotland's rarest visitors. Meet our life size turtle model called Lola and make a crafted turtle. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 4th (7.30pm) & Sunday 5th (4pm) May wee Stories: One giant Leap. For adults and children aged 10+ One Giant Leap is an impossible attempt to bring the whole universe into a theatre and into our understanding, using a tennis ball, a wastepaper basket and a dash of theatrical invention. Funny and serious, intelligent and silly, theatre and lecture, cosmic and personal. Summerhall, Edinburgh 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk £7 adult/£5 child/£20 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children)

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Saturday 4th – Monday 6th May may Bank Holiday Fun. Our fantastic face painter will help with some colourful transformations and a tricky treasure hunt will keep little minds busy. Food lovers will be impressed by a visit by some of our favourite food and drinks suppliers. Visit www.dobbies.com or call 0131 663 1941 for further information on products, advice and events at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ Sunday the 5th May Little Seedlings Club: Summer Salad Bar Some fruit and veg have magical powers and are called Super Fruits! Come and find out what these astonishing fruit and veg can do for you when you eat them. Grow your own salad bar to take home and enjoy their magical properties this summer. Visit www.dobbies.com or call 0131 663 1941 for further information on products, advice and events at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ Until May 6 TradFest Families in Edinburgh can enjoy music, song, storytelling, dance, crafts, folk drama and environmental celebrations for Mayday/Beltane. Falling at the traditional start of summer, TradFest brings Scotland’s arts of tradition into the heart of the Festival capital. Organised by the TRACS (Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland) and the Scottish Storytelling Centre, TradFest embraces all the folk arts, combining authentic sources with contemporary edge, passion and flair.

Sunday 5 May Telling Tales: Under 16s Storytelling Competition 1pm, £5 (£3), 5-16yrs. A fun afternoon of tale-crafting from local youngsters (under 16s) as they compete for the second annual Young Storyteller award.

Monday 6 May Tiny Tales 10 & 11.30am (40mins), £5 per child, 1-3yrs A special TradFest Tiny Tales for toddlers (1-3yrs), with an early introduction into the world of music and stories in the Storytelling Bothy.

Monday 6 May The Singing Street Join Ewan McVicar to see the film, share your memories, and find out that children of today also have their funny, surreal songs and games. Suitable for everyone aged 5+. £5 (£3) (Family of 4, £12)

Monday 6 May, 2pm The Prom on the Prom! Free, all ages. Celebrate Portobello Fun Fiddle’s 10th Anniversary and join the live music train along Portobello Promenade. All instruments and ages welcome. Meet at bottom of Figgate Street and march along to ‘The Cake’ bandstand. Tickets for TradFest are available now from Scottish Storytelling Centre Box Office 0131 556 9579 www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 5th May – The Jack and Jill market 30 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 Volunteer Hall St Johns Street, Galashiels, TD1 3JX To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk

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nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Sunday 5 May wee Stories: Hickory and Dickory Dock For children aged 4+ and adults With original music and puppetry, Hickory and Dickory Dock is a tale of ingenuity, invention and surprises. 1.30pm, Summerhall, Edinburgh 0845 874 3001 www.summerhall.co.uk £7 adult/£5 child/£20 family ticket (2 adults, 2 children) Sunday 5 May Art Cart Make your own masterpiece with 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. For ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4 pm. Free. Scottish National Gallery

Friday 10 May Edinburgh Pop-Up Food market A market full of fresh produce and delicious homemade goods. You can come to eat or stock up for the weekend.

A percentage of takings will be split between Marie Curie and Macmillan. Free Entry and kids crafts as well as plenty to eat! 4 - 6.30pm St Cuthbert's Episcopal Church Hall, 1 Westgarth Avenue, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0BB Saturday 11 May wild workshop at Central Library Edinburgh Zoo will be visiting Edinburgh's Central Library on George IV Bridge to hold a Wild Workshop. Suitable for families with children aged 3 and over, you can come along any time between 10am and 1pm to take part in the drop-in sessions. Learn about animals from their skins, skeletons and skulls. Learn about diet from looking at their teeth and then make up a unique wildlife scrapbook or wildlife card. No booking required.

Saturday, 11 May Edinburgh Steiner School PLANT SALE & SPRINg FAIR From 10.30 am to 1 pm. Please come and join us for plant stalls, puppet shows, fairground games, face painting, vintage stall, second-hand bookstall, bar-b-que and home baking, supporting various charities. Edinburgh Steiner School, 60 Spylaw Road Saturday 11 May glistening goblets 10.30am – 12.30pm. Have you seen the beautiful goblets in our silver collection? Why not have a go at making your own?

We have metallic paints and precious jewels to decorate a goblet with. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Pre-booking is not essential for these sessions. Linzi and Charlotte will explore ideas from our exhibition ‘Silver of the Stars’ with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh 11 - 12 May Scottish Birdfair Get back to nature!

There’s fun for all the family at the Scottish Birdfair at Hopetoun House near Edinburgh and kids go FREE! Your intrepid wildlife adventurers will have a great time exploring the grounds of Hopetoun house, and enjoying

6 - 13 May Imaginate Festival Scotland’s international festival of performing arts for children and young people at venues across Edinburgh. The Festival offers you, your family and friends, the opportunity to see some of the most inspiring and enjoyable theatre and dance from around the world. A stunning combination of 13 of the finest national and international productions to suit children and adults of every age.

To give you a flavour of what to expect, this year's programme includes: Het Lab Utrecht's Alles (All) - a rhythmical, colourful and dynamic performance in which two dancers play with the idea of doing everything at once! (4 - 7 yrs); Compagnie ChaliWate’s beautifully poetic and comical Ilo - giving us food for thought on the importance of water... blue gold (5+); The Robot Planet’one-of-a-kind theatrical experience - The Intergalactic Nemesis - Live-Action Graphic Novel - Book One: Target Earth (8+); Unicorn Theatre’s critically acclaimed Something Very Far Away - a beautiful piece blending traditional and digital animation (8+) and Tumult in the Clouds' utterly compelling Fleeto - exploring youth and the powerful lure of brotherhood in gang culture (13+) ... and many more to delight and excite! Tickets are on sale now from the Traverse Theatre Box Office: 0131 228 1404 or online at www.traverse.co.uk. For full details of the Imaginate Festival programme visit www.imaginate.org.uk .

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

masses of interactive activities, crafts, walks and workshops. Our fantastic field teachers have joined forces with the forest schools team, the National Trust for Scotland, and lots of others to put on fantastic children’s activities throughout the weekend.

Winner of “best small festival 2012”, the Scottish Birdfair has lots for the big kids too, with over 100 exhibitors, great locally sourced foods and hog roast and a well stocked bar! Pony rides, face painting, photography, crafts, bouncy castle, charcoal burning, wildlife crime scene, bush crafts, puppet shows/puppet making! Or make your own kite!

For more information or to book tickets go to www.scottishbirdfair.org.uk 12 May wartime Experience 10:00 – 17:00 Cost: Adult £10.50/£8.50, Child £5 (under 5 free), Family (2 adults and 2 children) £27.50. National Museums Scotland Members free. Join us for a vintage day out with hands-on history, flying displays, fashion and fun. Watch the battle re-enactments, learn to dance to hits of The Blitz and find out about life in the time of rationing and rollers. National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF

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All these events and more canAll bethese foundevents on ourand website www.familiesedinbu more can be found on Sunday 12 May Portrait Detectives! Collect your kit, follow clues and solve a mystery from history!

Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. For ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4 pm. Free. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 18 - Sunday 19 May Soar into Spring!

1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required. Discover why the Botanics is a brilliant place for wildlife. Start following the fortunes of our family of sparrowhawks at the beginning of their seasonal soap opera! We will have lots of fun activities for all the family. With RSPB Scotland. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 19th May The Jack and 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 May 19th we're going on a Bear Hunt... We're going to go hunting for bears (outside, weather permitting) then come back to the studio where children will make their own cuddly bear to take home followed by a teddy bear picnic - it's going to be great. Places are limited so to book a place call us on 0131-333-6348.

Price £15 per head. 10.30am - 12noon www.honeypotceramics.com Sunday 19 May Bags of Art For Ages 4 - 12. 2 4pm. Free. Cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland.

Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two Sunday 19 May 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 24th- Monday 27th May may Bank Holiday Fun Our fantastic face painter will help with some colourful transformations and a tricky treasure hunt will keep little minds busy. Food lovers will be impressed by a visit by some of our favourite food and drinks suppliers. Visit www.dobbies.com or call 0131 663 1941 for further information on products, advice and events at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ Thursday 24th May Chelsea Summer Party: 5pm-8pm. The world’s greatest flower show takes place this week, so join us to celebrate all things good and great about plants, gardens and flowers with our Chelsea Summer Party. You’re invited to join us for fizz and strawberries against the backdrop of live music and beautiful floral demonstrations. Tickets cost £1 and all proceeds will be donated to our garden centres’ local charity partners. Visit www.dobbies.com or call 0131 663 1941 for further information on products, advice and events at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ

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Sunday 26 May meet the Ancestors - meet mary, Queen of Scots Ages 4-12. 2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins) Free. Explore our portraits with Mary, Queen of Scots and learn all about the life of a Queen.

Scottish National Portrait Gallery

Saturday 25th May - wardie Primary School may Fair 12pm-2pm Come along with the family to our popular annual May Fair. With lots to keep the kids (and adults) happy including an inflatable assault course, police car, fire engine, face painting, home baking, lots of stalls, welly tossing, games and a great raffle. Please come along and join the fun! Adults £2 Children 50p (entrance includes a free tea/coffee/juice) Wardie Primary School, Granton Road Saturday 25 May Silver Boxes for Tiny Trinkets 10.30am – 12.30pm. Create a silver trinket box to keep your precious items safe. Emboss a pattern into the silver and decorate with coloured stones. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Pre-booking is not essential for these sessions.

Linzi and Charlotte will explore ideas from our exhibition ‘Silver of the Stars’ with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh Saturday 25 May Animal Buddies The museum has so many animal toys of all shapes and sizes.10.30am 12.30pm or 1.30pm - 3.30pm. Free. Can you choose just one to make into a wheeled pet you can take for a walk? With artist Lindsey Hamilton. Suitable for age 5+; booking not required. Museum of Childhood, High Street, Edinburgh

Wednesday 22nd May Jon the Buff-Cheeked gibbon’s Birthday 9am – 6pm Jon, one of Edinburgh Zoo’s male buff-cheeked gibbons, is celebrating his 13th birthday. The keepers have some surprises in store for him, so head along to the Zoo to wish this boisterous boy a Happy Birthday and watch as he celebrates with some birthday-themed enrichment!

This event is free with Zoo admission. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 May Traquair medieval Fayre Royal Medieval pageant, jousting, archery, falconry, living history, minstrels and early music, jesters and children’s workshops. 11am - 5pm www.traquair.co.uk

Saturday 25 - Sunday 26 May Edible gardening Seasonal Advice 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, Fancy growing your own vegetables but don't know where to start? Pop in for some friendly advice from the edible gardening team. Focusing on seasonal gardening information the team will be on hand with advice, fun activities and garden produce tasters. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

©Alicia Bruce

26th May The Jack and Jill market 10.30am1.30pm 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

nurgh.co.uk our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk

Friday 31st May - 2nd June gardening Scotland 2013 The Royal Highland Centre, Edinburgh. Advance tickets cost £14 (Fri) or £12 (Sat/Sun), a £2 saving on the gate price.

Kids go FREE. Book online at www.gardeningscotland.com where you can also enter the GreenThumb prize draw or call 0131 333 0965 for more information.

Saturday 1 June Food Lab 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, drop in. Join staff from the University of Aberdeen Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health for some fun in the Food Lab! Have a go at our simple but spectacular experiments using everyday items from your kitchen. Suitable for all ages.

Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 1st June Sun Bears’ Birthdays 9am – 6pm. Both of Edinburgh Zoo’s male sun bears, Somnang and Rotana, turn ten on Saturday 1st June and will be celebrating the special day with birthday-themed enrichment. Enrichment is an important for the pair as it provides mental and physical stimulation and also allows visitors to see their natural behaviours. This event is free with Zoo admission. www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Saturday, 1st June Edinburgh and Lothians Twins and multiples Club Summer Fair 10.30-1.30. This is fantastic opportunity to come together and raise funds for this local charity to support the parents of multiples in the Edinburgh and Lothians (www.edinburghtwins.co.uk). We will be hosting a BBQ, lots of activities for your children (face painting, singing, drumming, bouncy castles, craft sessions and lots more), raffle, tombola, home-baking, second hand stalls and a few local business. Tickets: £3.50 per adult, £2 per child (50p discount for all tickets bought in advance) – ALL WELCOME for this fun family day out. Contact chair@edinburghtwins.co.uk for more information.

Polwarth Parish Church, 36-38 Polwarth Terrace, EH11 1LU (Please note new venue) Saturday 1st June Colinton market-Place An ever-changing market full of handcrafted goods and quality gifts. A percentage of takings will be split between Marie Curie and Macmillan. Free Entry, kids crafts and refreshments. 2 - 4pm St Cuthbert's Episcopal Church Hall, 1 Westgarth Avenue, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0BB Sunday 2nd June - The Big Lunch The Big Lunch is a very simple idea from the Eden Project and aims to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours once a year in a simple act of community, friendship and fun. A Big Lunch can be anything from a few neighbours getting together in the garden or on the street to a full blow street party with food, music and decoration. Visit www.thebiglunch.com for ideas, inspiration and a helpful pack.

Sunday 2 June Art Cart Make your own masterpiece with 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. For ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4 pm. ©Louise Fraser Free. Scottish National Gallery Sunday 2nd June Little Seedlings Club: Become a Bee Keeper To bee or not to bee? Come and learn all about the life of buzzing bees and how they make their yummy honey. Then grow a sunflower to take home and enter into our Tallest Sunflower Competition. Visit www.dobbies.com or call 0131 663 1941 for further information on products, advice and events at Dobbies Garden World, Melville Nursery, Lasswade, Midlothian, EH18 1AZ

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these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on Every Wednesday during term-time magic Carpet 10:30 and 11:30 (25 mins). Free. Suitable for ages 2-4 (+ their adult) 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! Chambers Street, Edinburgh Thursdays during term time magic Carpet minis 10:30 and 11:30 (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. Chambers Street, Edinburgh 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, make-and-take and object handling. Check out information screens on the day for details. Chambers Street, Edinburgh 8th June The Jack and Jill market 10.30am-1.30pm 50 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 Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot Watt, Riccarton EH14 4AS. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Saturday 8 June Taste the Tale and Smell the Story 11am & 3pm (50mins). £5 per child. 4+.

Experience the magical world of the Brothers Grimm with storyteller Svenja Kruger. Prepare yourself for wonderful adventures with tales that taste like the sweetest honey, smell like beautiful roses and feel as soft as a feather. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Saturday 8 June Frame the Stars 10.30am – 12.30pm. Who is your favourite celebrity? Bring in a picture of them and create a silver photo frame so that you can hang their photo in your room. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Pre-booking is not essential for these sessions. Linzi and Charlotte will explore ideas from our exhibition ‘Silver of the Stars’ with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh 9 June Portrait Detectives! Collect your kit, follow

Sunday

clues and solve a mystery from history! Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. For ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4 pm. Free. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Tuesday 11 June Tiny Tales 10 & 11.30am (40mins) | £5 per child | 1-3yrs. A magical morning of pots and pans, cookies and cakes with ©Alicia Bruce storyteller Ailie Finlay. Toddlers aged 1-3 should bring their imagination for a fun filled, interactive morning (sadly, cookies not included!).

Scottish Storytelling Centre, Edinburgh

Saturday 15th June: Dad’s Day 10.30am (4hrs). Free. All Ages.

Join us in the Storytelling Bothy for a celebration of fatherhood on the day before Father's Day. A free, fun event for all the family, with stories and songs, card making, face painting, games and a storytelling pantomine! There will also be exhibitions of artwork, poems and stories by and about dads. Stalls representing organisations supporting dads will be on hand to give advice and support, and a "storydad" advice session will help dads share ideas for their storytelling with their children. All dads are welcome, with or without their children. www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk 15th June Summer Fair Please join us for a morning of fun with lots of activities including face painting, children's lucky dip, home baking, brunch rolls, burger rolls, hook the duck, penalty shoot out, lots of food and gift stalls and a great grand raffle. £2 Adults, £1 Children including tea/coffee/ juice. Saturday, 15th June, 10am1pm. Mayfield Salisbury Church,18 Mayfield Road, Edinburgh, EH9 1TQ. Email MSPGFundraising@gmail.com for more info.

15 - 23 June Edinburgh Festival of Cycling A citywide event over nine days, showcasing and celebrating all aspects of bicycle culture and the city itself. Find out more at www.edfoc.org.uk Sunday 16 June Bags of Art For Ages 4 - 12. 2 - 4pm. Free.

Cool and creative fun with artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art Two 16 June Robots Live! 10:00 - 17:00. Cost: Adult £10.50/£8.50, Child £5 (under 5 free), Family (2 adults and 2 children) £27.50.

National Museums Scotland Members free. See sparks fly as competitors from Robot Wars battle it out in the arena. Get up close to our animatronic creature, solder your own electronic device, and meet the engineers shaping our futures. National Museum of Flight East Fortune Airfield, East Lothian, EH39 5LF Sunday 16th June Father’s Day at Doodles Bring dad or grandpa along to Doodles between 10am and 6pm with another family member or more and receive a sweet treat to go along with your free tea and coffee plus 20% off your bill!! Available to book now, please call 0131 229 1399. 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh Sunday 16 June FREE taster for fringe festival show at Potter Around 3.30pm. Wizard Presents a Storytelling Taster of a

11 - 15 June Horrible Histories Using actors and ground-breaking 3D special effects, these two astounding shows – Terrible Tudors and Vile Victorians – are sure to thrill you and your children.

Kings Theatre, Edinburgh www.edtheatres.com

New Show based on Michael Morpurgo’s I Believe in Unicorns. Come to Potter Around to hear a taster of the story, where the unicorns went to and why, with acclaimed storyteller and performer Danyah Miller.

Call Potter Around on 01506 238961 or email chat@potteraround.co.uk Places are limited so make sure you book a space for this fun FREE event.

Friday 14 June Edinburgh Pop-Up Food market A market full of fresh produce and delicious homemade goods. You can come to eat or stock up for the weekend. A percentage of takings will be split between Marie Curie and Macmillan. Free Entry and kids crafts as well as plenty to eat! 4 - 6.30pm St Cuthbert's Episcopal Church Hall, 1 Westgarth Avenue, Colinton, Edinburgh EH13 0BB

Next Issue July/August 2013

Saturday 15 June The

Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair The Teddy Toddle and Summer Fair is one of the Sick Kids longest running events that has continued to grow each year and we are hoping that this year will be even bigger and better! The Teddy Toddle is a sponsored walk for the little ones and their favourite teddy but it is also a fantastic day out for all the family with many activities, entertainment and some of the children’s favourite celebrities for them to come and meet! We hope that you can join us for the day and continue to help make kids better. Meadowbank Stadium.

For continuous updates on what will be happening on the day please go to and like our facebook page at www.facebook.com/EdinburghSickKids or check out our website at www.edinburghsickkids.org.

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Summer Fun and Days Out More Summer Camps and Activities Edinburgh Fringe For Kids Booking deadline May 31st Call 0131 622 0405 Did you know that each issue can be read online too!

www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Follow us on Facebook Find us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Never miss an issue!

Subscribe for £15 for a year.

Email editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk

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nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk Sunday 16 June Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 2.45 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, (Free) Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 22 June Strings of Silver 10.30am – 12.30pm. Use a selection of silver beads, pearls and gems to create your very own friendship bracelet. You could even create one to give as a gift. These drop-in sessions will run for two hours and you can drop-in any time. Pre-booking is not essential for these sessions.

Linzi and Charlotte will explore ideas from our exhibition ‘Silver of the Stars’ with you and create fabulous artwork in our Activity Room at the Museum of Edinburgh, High Street, Edinburgh Sunday 23 June magical midsummer mobiles 1.00 pm - 4.00 pm, Real Life Science Studio, John Hope Gateway. No booking required - just drop in.

Using natural and recycled materials capture the beauty of your favourite animals and plants in the Botanic Garden in a magical midsummer mobile to hang indoors or out. With Greengage Arts. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 23rd June – The Jack and 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 23 June meet the Ancestors Adventure Tales of the Jacobites Ages 4 -12.

2pm, 2.45pm & 3.30pm (30 mins). Free Join Storyteller Fiona Herbert and hear about the Jacobites and their battle to reclaim the Scottish throne. Scottish National Portrait Gallery 30th June – The Jack and Jill market 10.30am1.30pm 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

28 June - 5 July Edinburgh International magic Festival A sensory feast for all ages awaits, as MagicFest casts its spell across the Capital and promises to take you to the extreme end of visual theatre. www.magicfest.co.uk.

Friday 28th June magic and Variety gala Show Edinburgh International Magic Festival returns for its fourth year starting with the spectacular Opening Gala at the Royal Lyceum Theatre.

This show for the whole family will set your heart fluttering – featuring the most innovative and amazing performers from around the world who will enchant, inspire and astonish you. Fast, furious, funny and magical mix of illusion, sleight-of-hand and mind reading will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting more! Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of mystery and illusion and catch the magic at the Magic and Variety Gala Show.

More info at www.magicfest.co.uk Royal Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street Edinburgh EH3 9AX. 2.30pm (Preview) • All tickets £10 7pm • £24/£20 adults, £20/£16 conc, £12 child Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000 Ages 5+ Saturday 29th June - Sunday 30th June

morgan & west “A grand Adventure” gadzooks! Morgan & West have lost the secrets to all of their tricks and by hell or high water intend to get them back! Join the dashing duo on the expedition of a lifetime as they cross continents, meddle with miscreants and sneak into secret societies. Can they catch the crooks, recover their quarry and confound the crowds with their clever conjuring?. Time travelling magicians Morgan & West have performed their shows at Fringes and Festivals across the globe and are thrilled to be premiering their new show at MagicFest. The Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-45 High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR. 5pm • £12 adults, £10 concessions.

Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk or our Box Office 0131 473 2000. Ages 7+

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Copyright Š Families Magazine 2012. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families Edinburgh nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Edinburgh is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Copyright Š on all artwork designed by Families shall remain with Families or contributor.