Families Central Scotland July - August 2015 Issue 29

Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12

FREE Issue 29 July/Aug 2015

y Come and enjo Falkirk’s newurs! fantastic flavo

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk

In this Issue

• Summer holidays feature • Back to school • Out and about

editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

Welcome to Dollar One of the UK’s leading Independent Schools.

OPEN DAY

Saturday 12th September, 10:00am – 1:00pm.

For more information: registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk 01259 742 511

Excellence and opportunity Dollar, Clackmannanshire, FK14 7DU

The Governors of Dollar Academy Trust is a charity registered in Scotland, no SC009888

Central Scotland’s

really useful magazine

for busy families of

children age 0-12

FREE Issue 29 July/Aug 2015

Welcome to the July/August Summer issue of Families Central Scotland. Our Summer days out feature is packed with lots of great things to keep the kids and you happy, busy and active this Summer.

Our back to school feature has a great article on how to cope with those first day nerves – yours and theirs and some tips on getting ready for the return to school from some of our local businesses. All this and our regular news and views, parent to parent and a packed out and about.

Hoping you have a sunny and fun Summer!!

Come and enjoy Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours!

In this Issue

• Summer holidays feature • Back to school • Out and about

Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkba rn.co.uk

www.familiescentra

lscotland.co.uk

Fun arts and crafts classes for little monkeys 18mths – 5yrs

editor@familiescent

ralscotland.co.uk

079302 64979

Classes now in Stirling and Falkirk!

Contact Yvonne or Kelley now to book your place!

T: 07794 190060

www.artymonkeys.co.uk

Fiona & Louise the editors In this issue Child goes free offer at Bo’ness Railway...............................................page 8 Save 30% at SeaLife when you book online......................................page 9 3 nights for price of 2 at Carr’s Hill.......................................................page 11

contact us

To advertise with us or to have your event listed in our magazine email editor@familiescentralscotland.co.uk Bookings are now being taken for the September/October Clubs and Classes issue – deadline for all adverts and editorial 1st August

Glasgow Queen’s Park 29 Aug - 12 Sep

Find us on facebook www.facebook.com/ FamCS and twitter @FamiliesCentral and visit our website for our What’s On, more articles and our directory www. familiescentralscotland.co.uk

contents Local news and views........................... page 4 - 6

Me

Summer days out.................................... page 8-11

Upsy Det a after th isy show! * e

Back to school.........................................page 12-14 Parent to parent............................................page 15

Book now and save £5 with this coupon!*

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

Out and about......................................page 16 -18 Circulation 12,000 copies delivered directly to nurseries, playgroups, health centres, libraries, leisure facilities as well as selected shops, cafes and schools. Please contact us if you wish to receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts.

Design

- Lamb Designs

Printers

- J Thomson Colour Printers

Families Central Scotland is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Any original materials are sent at the owners risk and while every care is taken neither families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

SAVE UP TO

USE CODE

MEET85D VALID UNTIL 31-Aug-2015

off orders over £60 or 5% off orders under £60 NightGardenLive.com • call 0333 300 0019 (bkg fee) *Coupon worth £5 off orders over £60, or 5% off orders under £60 and expires 31 August 2015. Subject to availability, Meeting a Character requires an additional ticket which can only be bought with tickets to the main performance. Ts & Cs apply, see www.NightGardenLive.com. © 2015 DHX Worldwide Limited.

In the Night Garden and all related characters, titles and logos are trademarks of DHX Worldwide Limited. All rights reserved.

The magical world of Treetopolis Join CBeebies star, Tree Fu Tom, as he takes to the stage at The Albert Halls, Stirling on Thursday 23rd July!

Follow Tom, Twigs and friends on an action packed adventure through the magical world of Treetopolis!

After finding a dusty old map, Tom decides to follow where it leads and see if it will take them to any mysterious hidden treasure - but it’s not an easy route to follow. Tom and his friends must travel through wild weather and catch the mischievous Mushas who are making trouble along the way! Full of fun, music and laughter, Tom will need your help to do the Tree Fu moves that could help save the day. Be part of the magic! Tom will also be visiting Dunfermline, Motherwell and Arbroath as part of his nationwide tour. For dates and theatre information visit www.treefutomlive. co.uk - Brought to you by Premier Stage Productions Ltd and FremantleMedia Ltd.

Arty Monkeys are here!

Arty Monkeys are exciting new arts and crafts classes for little monkeys aged 18 months to 5 years.

We have started weekly classes in Stirling and Falkirk and are currently planning lots of one off events over the school holidays too!

Come along with your Arty Monkey to explore and create with paint, clay, vegetables, spaghetti and much more!!! Our classes are designed and led by an enthusiastic primary teacher ensuring they are both fun and educational. We introduce a different theme each week… Bye bye repetition… hello Arty Monkeys!!

Register your interest at www.artymonkeys.co.uk to receive class, events and booking information. Or call Kelley or Yvonne today on 07920445711 or 07794190060 *Birthday Parties available too!

2015 Summer Reading Challenge: inspiring children to read and set a Guinness World Records title this summer Stirling, Falkirk and Clacks libraries are getting ready to encourage young readers to explore some of the astonishing reallife achievements and world records as featured in the Guinness World Records Books as part of the Summer Reading Challenge 2015. Organsied by The Reading Agency charity and the public library network, the annual Summer Reading Challenge, aimed and 4- 11 year olds and their families is simple and fun. Children are encouraged to read six or more library books of their choice during the summer holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate, or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. Children can sign up at their local library at the start of the summer holidays– it’s absolutely free - and pre-schoolers can take part in the mini-Challenge. For more information ask in your local library or visit www.recordbreakers.org.uk

Summer drama at Beaconhurst Beaconhurst have their very own musical theatre company Beaconhurst Footlights. In March this year they performed Disney’s Aladdin Jr – a tale of love, deceit and magic in the hot Arabian sands of………

Beaconhurst! From July 25th to August 1st Beaconhurst will be running a week’s drama project for children aged 7 – 16 years.

This summer’s project will be a workshopped version of the classic Oliver. Places for participants are fully booked, but for details of performances, please email beaconhurst.footlights@gmail.com Every year all Beaconhurst pupils from S4 to S6 take part in a musical, staged in the Macrobert Arts Centre at the University of Stirling.

They have the choice to perform, work backstage, make props or costumes, be in the band or work on marketing and media. Following last year’s sensational production of Sweeney Todd, this year they will be performing Les Misérables at the Macrobert on 24th and 25th June. Contact the Macrobert Box Office for tickets. For more information about Beaconhurst visit www.beaconhurst.com

Summer sports camp The University of Stirling children’s holiday programme starts on Monday 29 June 2015 and runs for seven weeks. There are sports specific sessions led by expert coaches in golf, tennis, kayaking, gymnastics and swimming. The intensive learn to swim classes will boost children’s confidence and fast-track their swimming development ready for school swimming or term time lessons. The golf coaching programme is in its second year.

Designed and led by PGA golf coach Tim Mitchell, this unique programme is developed and tailored to the child whether they are just starting out or keen to improve. We are also delighted to announce that Kings Camps will be running their nationally renowned sports and activity camps at the University of Stirling this summer during weeks 4 and 5 of our summer programme, 20-24 July and 27-31 July. To book a space contact Gannochy Sports Centre 01786 466900. For further details www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre or email sports.development@stir.ac.uk. Full details for Kings Camps can be found at www.kingscamps.org or call Sophie and the team on 0114 2632160.

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families central scotland / issue 29

Arnhall Nursery is a private day nursery that provides high quality childcare from birth up to 5 years • Graded Excellent in 7 areas by SCSWIS 2014 • Set in beautiful surroundings near Dunblane with ample parking • Open all year round from 7.30am to 6.30pm • All meals included - home cooked by our in-house chef • Fully qualifed & trained staff For further details or to arrange a visit please contact the Nursery direct

on 01786 822 391 Keir Estate, Dunblane FK15 9NU www.arnhallnursery.co.uk

lik fa e o fo cebo ur ro ff ok er s

Acrewood has been established as a leading Private Day Nursery and After School Club for over 25 years and is registered with the Care Inspectorate. Acrewood offers free government funded places to children aged 3-5yrs. This entitles you to free 600 hours of flexible childcare for eligible 3-5 year olds with the option of wrap around care if required.

Visit us online www.acrewoodnursery.com

The largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world.

Nurturing and developing young people’s potential through dance, drama and singing. for 4-18 year olds, after school, at weekends and holiday workshops.

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childcare fo fers quality of b lu C th ou ays.

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For a prospectus, call Stagecoach Stirling now on: 0131 337 7774 or email: stirling@stagecoach.co.uk

Summer 2015 Workshop 27th July - 31st July !!ENROL NOW!!

Bearheart Castle is large soft play centre based on a castle theme, with ball pools, flumes, aerial slides and lots more. Available for childrens’ parties and school outings. Open every Saturday and Sunday and all Stirling school holidays.

Stagecoach Stirling is now taking bookings for the Summer term!

Like our Facebook for future offers Acrewood Nursery, 35 Colquhoun Street, Stirling, Stirlingshire, FK7 7PX, Scotland Tel: 01786 462621, Fax: 01786 446541. www.acrewoodnursery.com

5

Come and join us on a Wee Jaunt at Pedal for Scotland!

This year’s Pedal for Scotland, running across Scotland on the 5th and 6th September, promises to be the biggest and best yet. We’ve got events to suit all ages and abilities, including three fantastic Wee Jaunt rides, ideal for family groups from toddlers to teens.

So for a fantastic, fun filled family day out in the saddle, come on a Wee Jaunt with us.

Which ride will you choose?

• Wee Jaunt Glasgow - 5 September- 6 miles - Starting at Glasgow Green, the 6 mile ride follows a traffic free riverside route via the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and Commonwealth village. Riders can then enjoy an array of entertainment at Glasgow Green. Entry £5 adult / £3 child.

• Wee Jaunt Edinburgh - 6 September – 9 miles - The ride starts from Kirkliston and follows an almost traffic free route to Murrayfield stadium. Entry £8 adult / £5 child.

• Wee Jaunt Murrayfield - 6 September- 4 miles - A 4 mile fully closed road route starting and finishing at Murrayfield Stadium. Ideal for families with young children. Entry £8 adult / £5 child For more details and to book visit www.pedalforscotland.org

Life changing approach to dyslexia Cellfield is a life changing approach to helping people overcome dyslexia and similar processing issues. Introduced to the UK by former teacher and Headteacher, Fiona Macdiarmid (who also runs the Kip McGrath Tuition Centre in Stirling) Cellfield’s unique brain plasticity based approach helps people break through the barrier to their learning caused by processing difficulties like dyslexia. Many have benefitted from Cellfield and more centres are opening around the UK. Cellfield is a multi sensory programme which develops and strengthens the areas in the brain used by good readers. After only 2 weeks clients can gain on average 2 years in their reading age. However the benefits of Cellfield extend well beyond reading because of the positive impact on confidence and self esteem. Cellfield is life changing. Cellfield Stirling, Unit 4 Scion House, Stirling University Innovation Park, Stirling FK9 4NF 01786 447527 www.cellfielduk.com

Donations needed!

Good Green Fun is a Stirling charity, which recycles and sells a wide range of high quality and affordable preloved children’s items including clothes, toys, books, prams, cots and baby equipment. It aims to help local families provide for their children, whilst reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. The charity relies on public donations and is currently in real need of larger items like prams, cots, changing tables and high chairs. If you have any of these tucked away that you no longer need, and would like to see them go to a good cause, please call 01786 849216. A free collection service is available upon request. Donations of any other children’s items would also be gratefully received. The shop can be found in the Stirling Enterprise Park (near Aldi). www.goodgreenfun.co.uk

Back to work or starting a new business?

Starting your own business or returning to work can be an exciting though sometimes daunting time, especially if you’re trying to keep up with the fast moving world of computing. Are you up to speed on your MS Office skills? Are you comfortable with emails and attachments? What about getting the most out of your tablet? Which social media apps will you use to market your business and engage your customers so they choose you? If you need help with any of these issues Gemini Solutionz can help you with our one to one training sessions at home or at work. We can help you to improve your IT skills in a friendly and jargon-free manner so that you become more confident in using your computer or tablet.

Take a look at www.geminisolutionz.co.uk for more info.

In the Night Garden - Live Don’t miss Igglepiggle and Upsy Daisy in Glasgow this Summer! This summer, the world’s only In the Night Garden Live Showdome is back in Glasgow - for two weeks only from 29 August to 12 September. See Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own family-friendly Showdome. With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action and everyone gets a great view!

Watch the trailer and book online at www.NightGardenLive.com

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families central scotland / issue 29

Exciting Interactive & Fun The most original musical baby & toddler classes on the planet

Classes held in Falkirk and Stirling Please contact Lynsey T: 07914023928 E: lynsey@hartbeeps.com Facebook: hartbeepsfalkirk Twitter: HartBeepsFalk

www.hartbeeps.com

Discover yourself at Beaconhurst From 3-----18 years.

Bridge of Allan, near Stirling.

At Beaconhurst we develop the talents and abilities of every individual. From our award winning nursery through to our junior and senior schools we have a unique and friendly community. Our relationships with staff, pupils, parents and the wider community are our key strengths and we are passionate about creating a fantastic learning environment.

Discover what we can do for your child.

Contact us now.

Tel. 01786 832146 www.beaconhurst.com

Summer Days Out 20 great things to do this Summer Summer has arrived – a great time to enjoy being together with your nearest and dearest! If you are stuck for things to do with the kids read on for some great ideas of fun things to do together and new experiences to enjoy!!!!

1. Sleep outdoors nothing says ‘summer’ like the chance to kip outside. If you can, find a campsite where you can go for a few days, but if you can’t get away put up a tent in the back garden. No tent? Borrow one. You’ll be amazed at the amount of fun kids can have with a few torches under canvas. Make sure they have lots of snacks – and don’t forget the singsongs! Check out www.carrshill.co.uk 2. Build a den - whether you do this indoors, in the garden, out in the woods or on the beach, you’ll have loads of fun. Joint tasks like making a den together bring out teamworking skills and help you see one another’s hidden strengths. Once the den is built, do something fun like having tea in it.

3. Go fruit picking - not only will you have a good time picking your favourite fruits and discovering new ones, you’ll also be setting up your next family project which will be making jams and chutneys or just a massive fruit salad to see you through the next few days, Briarlands is a great place to pick fruit.

4. Find a geocache - geocaching is like a treasure hunt where you use a GPS device to find a container which will have some small items (maybe toys) inside. It’s fun, exciting, and there’s lots to learn (about orienteering, geography, exploration, the environment). For more information see www.geocaching.com

Joanna Moorhead

5. Cook on a campfire - this is a perfect addon to your camping adventure. Get advice online about how to build your fire and what foods are best to cook on it (sausages, haloumi cheese, peppers, burgers are all easy peasy).

6. Climb a tree - there’s so much to learn in treeclimbing: how to deal with the unexpected, how to trust your own judgement, how to take a risk and how to manage failure. You learn that it’s harder to come down than to go up, and you learn how to look after your friend who falls out of the tree. And they’re all life skills that are useful for ever.

7. Start a collection - it can be anything – football cards, postcards, photographs of fun things you’ve been up to, pebbles from beaches you’ve been to. You can collect experiences as well as items: keep a book where you short review every film you watch, every book you read, or a description of every day out you have. Collections aren’t about WHAT they are, they’re about learning to organise your thoughts in a coherent, logical way.

8. Make a family tree - learning about your family history is a fascinating way to put flesh on the bones of history lessons.

What’s more, grandparents and great-aunts and uncles won’t always be around to fill you in – so ask the questions now.

Visit the Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway Travel on our steam railway and enjoy Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Open April-October www.bkrailway.co.uk Union Street, Bo’ness. EH510AQ Open everyday 10.00-5.30pm

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families central scotland / issue 29

*one child free with each full paying adult with this ad not valid with any other offer.Valid any day until end August 2015 except 1 & 2 August.

9.

Borrow a dog for a weekend - if you have your own dog, this isn’t for you.

But if you’re not a dog-owning family, having one on loan for a few days can be a hugely rewarding experience, so ask around friends who have dogs - would they like you to dog sit for a few days?

10. Climb a big hill - this can be a mountain or a fairly small hill, depending on how old your children are. Enjoy helping one another to make the climb; your reward is the view from the top, and the picnic lunch you have up there!

11. Go on a long bike ride - if you’ve all got your own bikes you probably do this all the time. If not it can be a really fabulous and different day out to hire bikes and follow a cycle trail. Pop into Cycle Hub, Stirling to check up on great family cycle routes! And remember Stirling Cycle Training provide children’s lessons in the Summer holidays – www. stirlingcycletraining.com 12. Have a snail race - find some snails, and set up the course; place bets on which snail will win, and watch the action unfold.

13. Identify at least ten constellations - invest in a good chart, wait for a dark night, keep your eyes peeled. You get a huge sense of satisfaction, and awe, when you manage to do it.

14. Track wild animals – this is something that can be done in the countryside, the local park or your back garden. Your children are looking for signs that animals have been there: pawprints, claw marks, scuff marks and – most fascinating of all for most kids – poo!

15. Find your way with a map and compass – whether you’re in the town or the country, whether it’s somewhere you know or somewhere new to you, there’s loads to learn from this.

It’s tricky to work out the compass points, so a good activity

Summer Days Out

to do as a family: also great to familiarise children with maps and their usefulness.

16. Switch roles in the kitchen - if you’re usually the mealmaker, and the children are usually the table-setters, do things the other way round.

Let the children plan, shop for and prepare the meal (depending on their ages, they may need some help) while you put together an excitingly-laid table. It’s always good in a family to do things a different way round…everyone learns, and there’s plenty of fun to be had.

17. Make a movie - with the arrival of the iPhone and the iPad, it’s never been easier to make a (surprisingly professional) home movie. Choose your location, put together your storyboard and...action! There are various apps that can make filming easier (eg filmic pro, which locks the camera’s settings for the duration of a shot).

18. Be a secret agent – there’s something fun about writing letters with invisible ink and it’s easy to make. Chop lemon, insert cocktail stick and use juice as ink to write a note on paper. As lemon dries it leaves an imprint on paper that can only be read when heat is applied. To read put note on a radiator or hold briefly above a light bulb.

19. Fly a kite - they’re cheap and easy to buy, or you can even make your own. Read up on tips about how to fly them online. There’s nothing better than seeing your kite soar into the air, knowing you’ve pulled together as a family to make it happen.

20. Create a rainy day jar - has your child ever asked to do something that you’ve not had the time for? Maybe it’s baking a batch of biscuits, building some Lego they’ve had since their birthday or showing you a dance routine they’ve created. Whenever time is against you, get your child to write the idea on a piece of paper and pop it in the Rainy Day Jar. It means you can reach into it for ideas as soon as you hear the words ‘’It’s raining!”

9

Summer Days Out

Families Central Scotland top days out - pull out and keep Summer Fun down on Briarlands Farm.

Pop up Fun, a variety of extra adventures from a Spider Mountain Slide, an inflatable assault course to a climbing wall will be visiting the farm over the summer holidays, this will all be included in the daily admission price, why not buy a Season Pass to keep the kids entertained all summer, please visit website for full details or to buy your pass. Pick Your Own strawberries will be open again this year, please check website for availability or telephone before making a special journey. Why not pop into the tearoom for strawberries and cream or a fresh baked Strawberry Cream Scone. For information visit www.briarlandsfarm.co.uk and follow us at www.facebook.com/briarlandsfarm

Bo’ness and Kinneil Steam Railway Share an adventure with your friends and family travelling by steam train and exploring Scotland’s largest railway museum.

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of old fashioned train travel. The Guard will clip your ticket as your journey begins. Buy a snack from our buffet car then sit back and relax as the train travels through the Scottish countryside. Back at Bo’ness, visit the Museum of Scottish Railways via our new Visitor Trail. Enjoy homemade, locally-sourced produce in our Station Buffet and we’ve a great Gift Shop. Visit our website for more ideas on planning your day out www.bkrailway.co.uk

Sea Life Centre Loch Lomond Join SEA LIFE Loch Lomond for an amazing programme of summer activities! From 1st June until 31stAugust, become a Lego City Deep Sea Explorer and explore the secrets of the ocean. The LEGO® CITY Deep Sea Explorers have lost some of their equipment, can you help them find the missing pieces? Or create your own amazing sea creature at our LEGO build station and display it in the centre for everyone to see! And of course there’s all our usual amazing talks and feeds, kids’ quiz trail and interactive touch pool to enjoy. For full details visit the website at www.visitsealife.co.uk/loch-lomond Loch Lomond Sea Life Aquarium

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families central scotland / issue 29

Family Summer Fun at Callendar House If you’re looking for some fun with your history this summer, then Callendar House is the place to visit! See our new exhibition: The Local and the Global, An Exhibition of Trade and Empires; pop into the working Georgian Kitchen for a tasty treat; pick up a Museum Activity Backpack; or come along to one of our family friendly craft and interactive sessions including Tea Clipper Races and Hands on History – on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout July! For full details visit www. falkirkcommunitytrust.org

Cinema Looking to catch Minions or Inside Out? Then head for the Bo’ness Hippodrome www. falkirkcommunitytrust. org/venues/hippodrome and the Macrobert in Stirling www.macrobert.org/cinema for these and more family friendly films.

Rapha Softplay Cafe Come visit us @ Rapha Softplay Cafe to experience our specially designed softplay, that includes a baby activity area that suits up to 18 months, an infant play area for up to 6 year olds.....oh and it’s free entry!! Our cafe has a seasonal menu that caters for all ages and has various (and sometimes....ahem.....unique.....courgette & lime cake!.....beetroot choc brownie) home baked cakes and scones that are freshly prepared daily to accompany our selection of teas and coffees, if it gets too noisy then why not enjoy our “quiet cafe” that is surrounded by spectacular views. Have a wee wander in our shop that offers seasonal kids clothes, toys and gifts. Situated in a beautiful countryside setting just off the B827 (Comrie Road) or just type FK15 9LL into your sat-nav, you’ll discover a friendly, warm and relaxing atmosphere. Hope to see you very soon! www.raphasoftplaycafe.com or phone 01786 880915

Summer Days Out Glamp it up with a short break in Stirlingshire!

Looking for something different to do with the kids this summer? Why not book a short break in a luxury safari tent at Carr’s Hill, near Plean Country Park. Great for families with kids of all ages, each fully furnished tent offers all comforts of home but with the excitement of the great outdoors. Board games and outdoor play activities are provided for family time fun. Plus, with attractions like the Kelpies and The Wallace Monument just a short drive away, it’s a perfect staycation destination. Special offer! Get THREE nights for the price of TWO! To book, call 01786 489205 by 22 July 2015 and quote ‘FAMILIES’. Subject to availability. Web: www.carrshill. co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/luxurysafaritents

The Milk Barn, nr Falkirk.

Come and enjoy a delicious homemade ice cream at the The Milk Barn, We have 18 different flavours on display. We also have soya ice cream for diabetics, dairy free sorbets and frozen yoghurt. All our Ice Cream is Gluten Free and Egg free. (unless cake or biscuit is in the added flavouring). The Milk Barn is situated on a working dairy farm, and is very child friendly with indoor and outdoor play areas. Enjoy a fun, delicious day out for all the family and have a try at milking the Fibre Glass milking cow Glenda, We also serve sandwiches, baked Potatoes, home baking etc. Open Mon to Wed 10am to 5pm, Thurs to Sun 10am to 8pm! Glen Farm, Glen Village, Falkirk, FK1 3AA Contact 01324 630703 or visit www.themilkbarn.co.uk

Summer Holiday Fun in Alloa Town Centre Looking for great family activities in Alloa this Summer? There will be FREE family entertainment hosted by Alloa Town Centre Bid in Alloa High Street every Thursday during the school holidays from 2nd July to 6th August. Just head along to the High Street between 11.30am – 2.30pm to see a different performer every week. On 2nd July, its Cheeko the Clown, on 9th July see Gary Dunn’s Amazing Magic, on 16th July see Tricky Ricky and Bingo the Dog, 23rd July see Magic Christopher, on 30th July its The Animal Man’s Mini Zoo and on 6th Aug see Gordon’s Magic and Puppets (Punch & Judy) There will also be face painting and balloon modelling (small charge). Call Alloa Town Centre Bid on 01259 404104 or visit www.atcbid.com or follow us on facebook for further details.

Summer Fun at the Howgate The Howgate Shopping Centre has FREE activities on throughout the summer holidays kicking off with Bricks 4 Kidz, on Sat 4thJuly. On Sat 1st August Central SuperHero Events will be hosting shows from 11am in the Hub so come and have your picture taken with your favourite super hero. Howie’s Kids Club is free to join and is suitable for kids age 11 or under. For dates, times and more information on all our events, follow us on Facebook or visit www.intohowgate.co.uk

Wallace Monument - Braveheart 2015 1995 saw Stirling host the European premiere of the film which brought the story of William Wallace to millions - in 2015 the city’s National Wallace Monument will mark the 20th Anniversary of Braveheart with a programme of special events and activities, re-telling the story of the Scottish hero. Performances will take place regularly throughout the Summer holidays involving costumed actors - ‘Tales from the Battlefield,’ a presentation recreating the encounter between two soldiers who fought on opposite sides at the battle, ‘A Walk with Wallace’ and ‘Scotland’s National Hero’ - an insight into the life of William Wallace. The Anniversary of the premiere will be celebrated in September (3rd to 7th) with a Braveheart Festival – a programme of special events at the Monument and in the University campus. You will be able to keep up to date with the 2015 programme of events by visiting: www.nationalwallacemonument.com or: www. facebook.com/NationalWallaceMonument

Visit Edinburgh Zoo this Summer, there’s fun for all the family Dinosaurs Return! is a sevenmonth long dinosaur exhibit at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, running until 1 November 2015.The attraction features 14 life-size animatronic dinosaurs who all move and make realistic dinosaur calls.The exhibition is a wonderful experience for both adults and children alike, plenty to keep the children entertained, with a dinosaur detective trail and a dinosaur fossil dig. Edinburgh Zoo hosts daily talks and events throughout the zoo – Lost Links Walkabout Tour, Meet the Reptiles, Animal Antics and the always popular Penguin Parade. We have our BioBlitz event on 21st and 22nd July – where we will be surveying local wildlife – see if you can spot the Zoo’s resident wild badger set and use bat detectors to listen for this species of flying mammal. For more information and to plan your trip to RZSS Edinburgh Zoo, please visit our website www. edinburghzoo.org.uk

11

Back to School Include a sight test in your ‘back to school’ routine

Labels4kids.com - Top Tips For Labelling

Labels4Kids, solves your lost property problems with gift cards in John Lewis stores and direct from Stirling at www. labels4kids.com 1. LABEL EVERYTHING from hair bands to boot bags…“because kids lose stuff!”

2. Label clothing TWICE, once inside a pocket and once on the care label to avoid doubt of who things belong to.

3. There are brilliant SUGGESTIONS like stick on clothing labels, easy to use iron on labels and woven iron on labels.

See also Selection Packs for deals on everything for the basics.

4. Cheap name tape just will not live up to the wash and neither do marker pens. Kit is too expensive to replace – buy reliable labels with Labels4Kids 100% GUARANTEE. 5. ORDER EARLY, waiting until August just adds to your stress.

6. We now do personalised DISNEY FROZEN, Disney, Hasbro, Nickelodeon and Mattel labels, books and gifts… these do take 3 weeks so order at the start of summer to stand out from the crowd!

Check out the website at www.labels4kids. com/fam Labels4Kids can prevent lost property and wasted time and money buying new uniform or belongings.

Every child dreams of what they will be one day... Pilot, fire fighter, train driver, police officer. Many professions have minimum eyesight requirements and up to one in five children have an eye condition they do not know about which may make achieving those dreams difficult.

Up to the age of 7 is a critical time in the development of a child’s eyes. A sight test gives every child the opportunity to see clearly, learn effectively and fulfil their career aspirations. Mary Docherty, owner and optometrist at Ochil Eyes in Tillicoultry, is passionate about children’s eyecare.

As a mother of four, she is keenly aware of the benefits of good sight to a child’s development and learning. At Ochil Eyes, we provide a fun environment for children of all ages to have their eyes tested.

Call 01259 752755 to book your child in for their free back to school eye test. 105 High Street, Tillicoultry, FK13 6DS . www. ochileyes.co.uk

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12 families central scotland / issue 29

Snappy Tags take the pain out of school uniform labelling

Labelling clothes is such a chore, and so time consuming. Not any more! Snappy Tag TM is the one-click way to label school uniforms and other items quickly and securely. No more sewing in labels or taking time ironing on adhesive tags that come off in the wash. Snappy Tags are similar to a small button and are fast and simple to apply. Your child’s name is laser-etched onto the tags before they are delivered to you, and names are guaranteed not to fade or wash off and will stay securely fastened. You can even reuse it on the next garment, making it a very cost effective way of identifying and labelling clothes.

Snappy Tags TM also stock a Back to School Naming Kit which comes in standard size (with 25 tags and a Snappy Stickers Starter Pack) or a bumper size (with 50 tags and the Snappy Stickers Starter Pack). Snappy Tags are a simple way to make sure that lost property doesn’t stay lost. Great news for busy mums this summer! For more information and to buy Snappy Tags visit www.snappytags. co.uk

Back to School

How to cope with first day nerves (yours and theirs) Back to School with Ruby Ruby Children’s Shoe Shop

Your child will be wearing their new school shoes all day, so it is very important that they are properly fitted with good quality leather uppers, allowing the foot to breathe. Childrens feet are continuosly developing until they are 18 years old and badly fitted shoes can cause permanent damage to their feet. Our staff at Ruby Ruby have been professionally trained by the Society of Shoefitters and offer you an excellent fitting service along with top class customer service.

We are situated in the beautiful village of Doune, just three miles from Dunblane and open seven days a week, 9.30am to 5pm, so there are plenty of opportunities to come in and have a look, whether you are buying your child sandals for holidays or school shoes for the new term.

As recommended by

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around the house, for a few days before school starts, to get used to them after a summer in the freedom of sandals and trainers.

The easy one-snap Weclothing! stock a huge variety of children shoes way to label from Geox to Lelli Kelly, Primigi to Petasil andPUSH—CLICK— lots more. SNAPPED ON! Brought to you by Say It Personally Ltd

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Y

ou’ve bought the uniform, sewn on the nametapes and packed their book bag. Now the big first day is almost upon you, reduce the chances of tears at the classroom door with our starting school tips.

Check out the school run in advance A parent getting flustered because they’ve spent ten minutes trying to find parking or the right entrance to the building will not contribute to the calm first day vibe we’re after here.

A few days beforehand, ease them into a ‘school compatible’ routine If you’ve been enjoying the summer holidays with later nights and relaxed, lazy mornings, head towards the sort of getting up and bedtimes needed for school in advance of day one. It’ll be less of a shock than a sudden change.

Do a practice school run a couple of days before if it’s anything other than straightforward and make sure you know where to pick up from, as well as drop off.

Highlight the positives of school life Read stories about school together - try Lauren Child or Janet and Allan Ahlberg’s lovely books on the subject. Or recount tales of your own positive experiences (skip the anecdotes about the super-scary teacher and inedible lunches). Remind them, too, of the things they enjoyed at any settling-in visits, such as ‘ooh, you’ll be able to play with the dressing up box again!’

Pre-empt worries Your child could be anxious about classroom life but unable to articulate their concerns. Ask them how As recommended by they’re feeling about Recommended by Buy of the day it and listen out for uniform going astray? anything that you can BUY OF THE DAY help explain. It could be, what to do if they need the loo during lessons, where you’ll be at picking up time or what The easy one-snap happens if they don’t like way to label clothing! lunch. Tell them that it’s absolutely fine to talk PUSH—CLICK— SNAPPED ON! to the teacher if they’re Brought to you by Say It Personally Ltd scared or sad.

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A one snap solution

On the morning, keep farewells short but sweet A quick hug will often be more reassuring than a ten minute parting ritual which makes it all seem a bigger deal than just a few hours apart. Avoid saying that you’ll miss your child too - it puts the idea in their head that they should miss you. If your little one is especially nervous, it can work well to give them a kiss on their hand to ‘keep’ in their pocket during the day.

Skip the mascara but remember a tissue It’s not just the children who can end up in tears - it’s normal for parents to feel emotional when they first send their child through those school gates. If you think you’re about to cry, do try and hold off until you’re out of sight of your child if possible.

Most four/five-year-olds will be more likely to get upset if they see mum sobbing – they probably won’t understand that it’s because you’re proud/ taken aback by how grown-up they suddenly look.

But rest assured, if tears should roll, be it yours or your child’s, you won’t be the only ones and we promise no-one will remember in years to come.

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

0844 5611994 www.snappytags.co.uk 13

Back to School

10 ways to support and encourage your young reader

W

e all know the importance of reading to babies and toddlers, but it’s equally vital that we continue to read to them, and with them, to support and encourage them as they learn to read for themselves. Here are ten tips to enable you to help them on their way to becoming confident readers with a love of books.

1. Don’t force them to read if they are not in the mood. That’s a sure way to put them off reading.

2. Continue to read to them. Reading to your child not only enables them to enjoy some one-on-one time with you, but it helps them to learn about the fluency of reading as they hear you modelling appropriate speed, pacing and intonation.

3. Find different types of books – picture books, short stories, simple chapter books, poetry, etc. Try non-fiction as well – kids love to know about the world and how things work.

If they are interested in the subject then they are far more likely to enjoy reading about it. Remember: you are the expert on your child; you know him better than anyone else and you will have a better idea of what subjects he will or won’t enjoy.

4. Give them time to experience the book as a whole. Don’t expect them to sit down with a picture book and read the story without looking at the pictures; pictures bring the story to life and in most books will help the reader to understand what the words are telling them.

5. If they are struggling with a word and want you to read it for them, ask them if they recognise any letters, or sounds within the word. Point specifically to parts of the word, or help them to break longer words down into shorter segments. Then blend the sounds together to form the full word.

6. Don’t tell them “you know this word” – even if you know they do. If they knew it or remembered it, they would have read it; and it’s frustrating and demoralising to be reminded that you know something but have forgotten it. Instead, help them to work the word out themselves, either using the previous tip or by asking them to look at the picture for clues. Learning to read is not just about decoding a jumble of letters, it’s also about understanding the meaning of the words in the correct context and the pictures can help.

7. If they make a mistake and don’t notice, don’t interrupt them. Let them finish the sentence before asking them to

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14

families central scotland / issue 29

read the word again. If they make a mistake again, ask them “Does that sound right?” or “Does that make sense?”.

8. Review the book afterwards. Ask them what their favourite part of the story was, or why they thought a certain character did something. Make sure you tell them what you thought as well, especially if parts of the storyline could have been seen differently from another viewpoint.

9. Always praise their reading efforts. Hearing you say “I was so impressed with how you worked out that tricky word using clues from the pictures” will boost their confidence and make them feel proud of their achievement.

10. Finally, let them see you reading regularly, and, more importantly, getting enjoyment from reading. If reading is a normal habit for you, then it’s likely that your child will pick up that habit too.

‘Bonus’ tip, get them to read to a pet, or a favourite teddy, if they feel more comfortable doing that.

Note from the editors Remember, it’s free to join your local library; you can take out books, CD’s and DVD’s as well as downloading e-books.

For the under 5’s there are regular Bookbug, Rhymetime Chat’n’Play and Story time sessions and for children age 5-12 there are regular Craft Sessions, Chatterbooks and Kids Book Clubs. There are even teenage Book Clubs and groups for adults and it’s all FREE!!

parent to parent

H

i I’m Susan Allan, I live and work in Stirling with my husband Fraser and three boys Liam, 19, Jay 8 and Daniel 4. My husband and I opened All Things Baby, a nursery and pram store in November 2013. Our shop is down by the Riverside in the same place as there has been a pram shop for over fifty years!

It’s a bit of a historical building when it comes to babies and toddler shopping. We stock everything you can possibly think of for babies from cots to prams, baby essentials to beautiful baby gifts. Come and visit us at Forth Street, Riverside, Stirling. 01786 472392 Visit us at www. stirlingpramcentre.co.uk and on facebook at www.facebook.com/pages/StirlingPram-All-Things-Baby Why do you like living where you do?

We live in Torbex which is so peaceful but so close to lots of things for the kids to do not least we are five minutes walk from Borestone Primary which is a fantastic school. We are close to Beechwood, Thistle and Kings Park so plenty of choice. Our neighbours are all really friendly and look out for each other which is nice, the kids can go out and play and you know everyone has a lookout for them.

Favourite shop All Things Baby of course! I don’t love shopping but I love being pampered at Amore Hair and Beauty, Claire and Joanne are fantastic! Hogans Food Company in Falkirk, we love their weekly fruit and veg boxes.

Favourite park I think Beechwood is our favourite it’s a lovely walk through it and the boys love the spinning tops.

Favourite day out Science Centre in Glasgow - we love the planetarium. We get a season ticket every year it’s such good value and brilliant fun especially when it’s raining.

Favourite family holiday spot We love going abroad to a beautiful beach; the boys love nothing more than playing in the water and not getting told off for getting wet. This year it’s Paphos in Cyprus and we have been counting the days since we booked. Cyprus is Fraser and my favourite place in the world, we’d move there in a blink, this is the first time we’ve taken the boys so watch this space we may not return.

Favourite child friendly restaurant The Torbex Inn is our favourite. The staff are super friendly and lovely with our noisy boys.

Most loved children’s book For Jay - Roald Dahl – Charlie and the chocolate factory series and David Walliams – Awful Auntie is fantastic! For Daniel – Stickman and the Smartest Giant in Town – we love Julia Donaldson books.

Favourite night out without the kids.

Night out without the kids? What’s that?

Best children DVD or tele programme Doctor Who of course!

Proudest eco-friendly moment We try to do our bit and I’m real proud my boys do all the recycling in the house. At the shop we do everything we can to recycle as much as possible, changing all the light bulbs!

And of course offering our customers lovely products from companies like The Little Green Sheep and their organic and natural ranges.

Most played with toys Ipads and Lego. To be honest my kids love being in the garden but on a rainy day the minecraft comes out for Jay and the batman Lego for Daniel.

Best planet saving tip Just do a little it’s better than nothing.

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Susan’s Local Recommendations

No parent should be without Wipes and a snack for you and the kids!

The Torbrex Inn, Stirling Amore Hair and Beauty, Stirling

Parenting pet hates Those people that tutt when kids are just being kids. The size of kids meals at restaurants – really portion control you’ll improve your profits immediately! I cannot bare when I see parents with fancy expensive cars and they have their children in supermarket booster seats!

SOF T P L AY

• Softplay up to 6 yrs

Most successful food Carrot cake with butter icing – can’t beat a good bit of cake and afternoon tea with my boys.

Beechwood Park, Stirling Thistle Park, Stirling Kings Park, Stirling Hogans Food Company, Falkirk

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out & about

aturday 1st September

Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out.

Monday 22nd June to Monday 3rd August (ex Sundays)

Our Area in the First World War at Falkirk Library This exhibition was researched, designed and produced by adults and school children from across the area as part of a project developed and delivered by Falkirk Community Trust to mark the centenary of the First World War. Friday 26th June to Thursday 9th July Minions (PG) Macrobert various times.

Friday 26th June to Sunday 12th July (ex Tuesdays) Minions (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome various times.

Tuesday 30th June Family Farm Fun Cycle Join Stirling Cycle Hub on a family ride along quiet roads from Forth Valley College out to Briarlands Farm (6.5 miles). Discounted entry to the farm for all children and adults (children under 3 are free) on the cycle. Bring your own bikes and a picnic. For more info please contact the Hub on 01786 474160 or email cyclehub@ forthenvironmentlink.org 10.30am.

Wednesday 1st July Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre Wonderful Worms and Magical Mud! Ever wondered what worms do underground all day? We’ll see if we can charm some to the surface and we’ll have some fun in the mud too. Suitable for children aged between 5 and 10. 2-4pm. Booking essential. For information contact the Ranger on jupiterranger@ scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk or 01324 486475.

Bogies, Burps and Bottoms with Author Stuart Reid Bonnybridge Library (11am) and Slamannan Library (2pm) Come on down to your local library to see the fantastically funny Falkirk author Stuart Reid talk about bogies, burps and bottoms.

Wednesday 1st and 15th July Summer Story Trails at the University of Stirling This Summer join Storyteller Daniel Serridge for a story walk around some of the University’s most interesting

16

sculptures. Why is there a giant roman sandal on the hill behind Macrobert and why does the loch have a tap? You’ll go for a short walk, stopping for a rest and a story or two at a number of interesting spots. The route will be possible for all-terrain buggies.

Meet at the Macrobert Arts Centre Box Office. Recommended for ages 2 – 6 (and their families) Children must be accompanied by an adult.Various times throughout the day.

Wednesday 1st, 8th 15th 22nd 29th July and 5th 12th 19th and 26th August Costumed Actor at the Wallace Monument Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s National Hero - who he was, where he came from, and how he fought to free the people of Scotland from oppression Thursday 2nd July Bogies, Burps and Bottoms with Author Stuart Reid Larbert Library (11am) Come on down to your local library to see the fantastically funny Falkirk author Stuart Reid talk about bogies, burps and bottoms.

Cheeko the Clown in Alloa High Street Cheeko’s antics and live show are hysterical, with a truly unique ability to entertain kids of all ages. 11.30-2.30pm. Free. www. atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104.

Friday 3rd July Mini Mountain Bikers Meet at Wallace High School 1-3pm For details visit www.stirlingcycleclub. org Saturday 4th July Howie’s kids Club at the Howgate Shopping Centre Join in the fun with Bricks 4 Kidz. With superhero Logo workshops and learn build and play with bricks. Free. www. intohowgate.com Jupiter Wildlife Centre Wildlife Watch Club 10.30-12.30pm.

Jupiter’s Wildlife Watch club is open to nature nuts aged between 8 and 12. Booking essential, Phone the ranger on 01324 486475.

Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow

families central scotland / issue 29

Palace Experience an afternoon of thrills and spills as Linlithgow Palace and Peel hosts its annual jousting tournament. 12.30-4.30pm. Tickets available online.

Saturday 4th 25th and Sunday 5th and 26th July Tales from the Battlefield at The Wallace Monument The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned Scotland’ s National Hero and left for dead, makes his way into the woods.

Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home.

Sunday 5th July Bard in the Botanics Present Loves Labours Lost at the Macrobert Join us for some open air theatre this Summer on the beautiful campus of the University of Stirling for one of William Shakespeare’s wittiest and most sparkling comedies - just perfect for a beautiful summer’s evening!

Please note that this is an unseated open air event and you are welcome to bring you own rugs, cushions or small camping chairs. www.macrobert.org 7pm.

Art’n’Mart at Dunblane Victoria Halls 30 local craft stalls with tea/ coffee available. 11-4pm.

Monday 6th July Summer Craft Session at Bonnybirdge Library Fun, free and friendly Summer craft session for 5 – 12 year olds. Phone 01324 503295 for details.

Campfire Cooking with Under The Trees Meet at Callendar Park, par 3 golf Building. Booking essential call Jess on 07854 490550. 11-2pm.

Tuesday 7th July Den Building with Under The Tress Meet at Callendar Park, par 3 golf Building. Booking essential call Jess on 07854 490550. 112pm.

Tuesday 7th and 28th July Hands on History : Trading Places at Callendar House Find out what the Romans and others brought to Falkirk and what we gave them!

With the opportunity to handle real artefacts, dress as a Roman, and discover what connected

Falkirk to the rest of the world. All children must be accompanied by a supervisory adult. 2-4pm. Free.

Drop in sessions.

Wednesday 8th July Buzzin’ About Bees at Jupiter Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Find out why this amazing wee insect is so important and what you can do to give it a helping hand. This event has been made possible by funding from the Save Our Magnificent Meadows Partnership and is aimed at children aged between 5 and 10.

Contact the Jupiter ranger on 01324 486475. 2-4pm.

Minibeast Safari at Plean Country Park Come along and have some fun with the Rangers on a Minibeast Safari.You’ll search out the different bugs in their own special habitats in the park, slimy slugs, buzzy bees, wandering woodlice and so much more! Pre booking essential. For further information and to book, call 08452 777000 or email countryside@stirling.gov.uk 1012noon.

Pond Dipping at Plean Country Park Come along and join the Rangers on a pond dip to find out about the amazing ponddwellers.You may see dazzling dragonflies, amazing amphibians and busy beetles. Wellies essential.

Pre booking essential. For further information and to book , call 08452 777000 or email countryside@stirling.gov.uk 1.303.30pm.

Mini Bio Blitz with Under The Trees Meet at Callendar Park, par 3 golf Building. Booking essential call Jess on 07854 490550. 11-2pm.

Thursday 9th July Gary Dunn’s Amazing magic in Alloa High Street Lots and lots of big laughs for all the family. 11.302.30pm. Free. www.atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104.

Annie (U) Macrobert 1pm.

Thursday 9th, 16th 23rd and 30th July Tea Clipper Races at Callendar House Become the skipper of your very own Tea Clipper Ship and race across the waters of Callendar Park. Learn about the history of the famous Tea Clipper races before building your own boat to race! All children must be accompanied by a supervisory adult. Lasts approximately 90

minutes. 2pm. £3.50. Booking essential, phone 01324 506850.

Saturday 11th July Jupiter Wildlife Centre Minibeast Mini Adventure Join a Ranger in the woods to discover the best places to hunt for all things creepy and crawly, plus get some tips to help identify them. This is a drop in event; meet in the Wilderness Woods clearing any time between 2 and 3pm. 01324 486475.

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July Two by Two (PG) Macrobert 11am Saturday 11th, 18th and Sunday 12th 19th July A Walk With Wallace at The Wallace Monument A short (45-minute) guided walk, with costumed actors telling the story of Wallace’s famous encounter with the army of King Edward I at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. The walk commences and finishes at the Monument, and visitors are escorted towards the Stirling Viewpoint, meeting Wallace in the woods, returning to the Monument for the final dramatic scenes.

Sunday 12th July Teddy Bear Picnic with Under The Tress at The Helix Furry friends of all shapes and sizes are welcome along to our teddy bears picnic! £3.

Booking essential, phone Jess at 07854 490550 Heritage Walk at Muiravonside Country Park 1-2pm.Join the Ranger service on a walk around Muiravonside Country Park, learn about the history of the park and take in the spectacular scenery.

01324 506850.

Sunday 12th 19th and 26th July The Queens Progress at Linlithgow Palace Marking 500 years since the birth of Mary of Guise. Discover how this Frenchborn noblewoman came to rule the kingdom of Scotland, governing wisely and guarding the throne for her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots. 12-4pm. Included in admission price.

Sunday 26th July Water Safari at Linlithgow Loch Ranger guided tour of Linlithgow Loch by Canadian canoe with fully

qualified instructors. Suitable for beginners or those with some paddling experience. Booking essential, phone 0131 652 8150.

Monday 13th and Sunday 26th July Hands on History : 1950’s and 1960’s shops at Callendar House Come and visit our 1950’s replica food shop to find out more about brands from the past.

Experience the sights and sounds of the swinging sixties in our reconstructed record shop and dress up in retro costumes. All children must be accompanied by a supervisory adult. 2-4pm. Free.

Wednesday 15th July Jupiter Wildlife Centre Bushcraft Bonanza An extra long session where you can learn some bushcraft basics - including cooking your lunch on a fire! Food included.

This event is in conjunction with Under The Trees and is suitable for children aged between 5 and 10.

11-3pm. Booking essential, phone the ranger on 01324 486475.

Wednesday 15th and 29th July How to do a Proper Brew at Callendar House Have you ever considered the science of a proper cuppa? Brew in a pot or in a mug? Loose leaf or bag?

Black, green or something more exotic? Milk in first or milk in last?

Come and discuss these old tea lovers’ quandaries and discover the historic roots behind our modern tea making habits. The session includes a chance to sample a variety of teas and try historic tea flavoured recipes. For adults and children over 12 years. Lasts approximately 45 minutes. Booking essential. Phone 01324 506850 Thursday 16th July Tricky Ricky and Bingo the Dog at Alloa High Street With the help of his trusty companion Bingo the Dog, Tricky Ricky uses a mix of Magic, Comedy & Puppetry to keep all children amused and happy. 11.30-2.30pm. Free. www. atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104.

Woodland Stories at Plean Country Park Parents, grandparents, babies, toddlers and buggies come and join the Rangers for a stroll and a story in the woods and some ideas for making stories of your own. Pre booking essential. For further information about the events and

to book, call 08452 777000 or email countryside@stirling.gov.uk 10.30-11.30am.

Finding Neverland (PG) Macrobert 1pm.

Friday 17th July Mini Mountain Bikers Meet at Main Farm Trials, Thornhill visit www.stirlingcyclehub.org for more details 1-3pm.

Saturday 18th July Up All Night (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am.

Sunday 19th July Up All Night (PG) Autism friendly screening Bo’ness Hippodrome 2.30pm.

Tuesday 21st July BioBlitz – Bats & Badgers at Edinburgh Zoo As part of a 24 hour BioBlitz event surveying local wildlife, join RZSS Edinburgh Zoo for a bats and badger survey.

See if you can spot the Zoo’s resident wild badger set and use bat detectors to listen for this species of flying mammal. Advance booking is required, please email Amy on acox@rzss.org.uk 8:30pm-10:30pm £10 per person (suitable for age 12 upwards) Wednesday 22nd July Summer Craft Session at Bonnybridge Library Fun, free and friendly Summer craft session for 5 – 12 year olds. Phone 01324 503295 for details.

Jupiter Wildlife Centre Minecraft Mania 10-12noon and 2-4pm.

Put your skills and Minecraft knowledge to the test and join us as we bring the popular game to Jupiter. Craft your weapon, mine for ore, defend your den and battle zombies and other nasties that are hiding in the woods! Join us for either a morning or afternoon session. Booking essential, phone the ranger on 01324 486475.

Junior Ranger Boot Camp at Callendar Park Join Falkirk Council Ranger Service at a secret location in Callendar Woods. Learn how to build a fire, make a shelter, find and eat wild food, respect nature and leave no trace of your camp.

Discover the woodland survival secrets that Bear won’t tell you on TV! Aged 7+. Booking essential, Falkirk Council Ranger Service 01324 504950.

BioBlitz at Edinburgh Zoo Help

out & about

RZSS Edinburgh Zoo discover what other creatures live at the Zoo! Each year they take part in BioBlitz, a biological survey that adds to the bigger national picture.

Plants, birds, mammals, pond life invertebrates: you name it, we count it!www.edinburghzoo.org.uk 9am-6pm. Free with Zoo entry.

Thursday 23rd July

Tree Fu Tom at The Albert Halls Live on Stage! Premier Stage Productions Ltd and FremantleMedia bring you a spellbinding new show starring the world’s smallest superhero, direct from the smash hit CBeebies series. The world of Treetopolis comes to the Albert Halls as we invite you to do Tree Fu and help Tom save the day! This brand new show, packed with adventure, fun, music and participation, sees Tom take to the stage in his first nationwide tour - be part of the magic. 1pm. £12 Adult / £10 Child £42 Family (2 adult + 2 child tickets) www.stirling.gov.uk/ alberthalls Magic Christopher and Barney The Magic Bird at Alloa High Street Magic Christopher & Barney the Bird will provide a fun filled show with games and magic.11.302.30pm. Free. www.atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104.

Friday 24th July to Saturday 8th August (ex Tuesday) Inside Out (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome various times.

Saturday 25th July Jupiter Wildlife Centre Camouflage Capers 2-4pm.

Investigate the secret world of camouflage and see how well YOU can blend in with your surroundings. Suitable for children aged between 5 and 10. Booking essential, phone 01324 486475.

Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July Summer Diesel Gala at Bo’ness Railway Relive the sights, sounds and smells of the Swinging Sixties at our Summer Diesel Gala www.bkrailway.co.uk Sunday 26th July Man at Arms Tour at Blackness Castle Come and meet one of Hamilton’s men and hear about siege warfare in the sixteenth century. 12-4pm. Included in admission price.

17

out & about

aturday 1st September

Wednesday 29th July

Jupiter Wildlife Centre Brilliant Butterflies 2-4pm. Jupiter’s meadows are jam packed with butterflies on a nice day! Learn how to tell them apart and help us carry out our Big Butterfly Count.

Suitable for ages 5 to 10. Booking essential, phone 01324 486475.

Thursday 30th July Animal Man Petting Zoo at Alloa High Street Get up close and personal for a hands on interactive animal encounter with mammals, birds, lizards, snakes, spiders and creepy crawlies. Come and meet the 6 foot Boa Constrictor.11.302.30pm. Free. www.atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104.

Build a Family Den at Gartmorn Dam What better way to spend a summer afternoon than building a den in the woods. We’ll teach you a few necessary skills but then you’ll need to build your own – and survive the water test! 1-3pm.

Contact the Clacks Countryside Rangers on 01259 213131 Saturday 1st August Howie’s kids Club –Howgate Shopping Centre. Central Superhero Events will deliver 4 x 30 min shows where Batman, Spiderman, Bumblebee, Iron Man and many more will entertain you.

Free. 11-4pm. www.intohowgate. co.uk Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd August Day Out With Thomas at The Bo’ness Steam Railway Engines with friendly faces, children’s entertainment, competitions, face painting, fairground attractions. www.bkrailway.co.uk Saturday 1st to Monday 3rd August Tales from the Battlefield at The Wallace Monument The Battle of Stirling Bridge is over – and a soldier, abandoned Scotland’ s National Hero and left for dead, makes his way into the woods.

Lost and disoriented, he meets another fighter – then discovers he is on the enemy’s side! What will happen, and what do they talk about, before the injured soldier heads off – to make his way home.

Sunday 2nd August Art’n’Mart at Dunblane Victoria Halls 30 local craft stalls with tea/ coffee available. 11-4pm.

Come and Try Survival at Mugdock Country Park Join Wild by Nature in this family event. Enjoy a taster session on survival; it will include shelter, tracking wildlife and food for free, amongst other things. Cost £4.50 per person, approx 90 mins. Meet at the Visitor Centre. See www. wildbynature.eu for more info.

Thursday 6th August

Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th August Forest Adventure week at Gartmorn Dam Calling all adventurers. If you like the outdoors then this is the week for you. Plenty of survival skills and the chance to explore. Booking essential. Suitable for ages 8-12.

Contact the Clacks countryside rangers on 01259 213131 Wednesday 12th August

Gordon’s Magic and Puppets at Alloa High Street Bring the children and introduce them to the old favourites, Punch & Judy. 20 minute performances throughout the day, with magic tricks and games in between.11.30-2.30pm.

Free. www.atcbid.com or phone 01259 404104

Jupiter Wildlife Centre Get Crafty 2-4pm. Join us and our friends from Under The Trees for an afternoon of natural crafts. Suitable for children aged between 5 and 10. Booking essential, phone 01324 486475.

Summer Craft Session at Bonnybridge Library Fun, free and friendly Summer craft session for 5 – 12 year olds. Phone 01324 503295 for details.

Bark in the Park at Plean Country Park An afternoon of fun and frolics with your four-legged friends.

Fun competitions, doggy stalls, human catering vans. Bring your humans on a leash! 12-4pm.

Friday 7th and Saturday 8th August Seussical at The Dunblane Centre 7.30pm with additional 2pm matinee on Saturday.

Saturday 8th to Monday 10th August

Stirling Festival of Cycling at Kings Park, Stirling For details visit www.stirlingcyclehub.org Saturday 8th 15th 29th and Sunday 9th 16th 30th August A Walk With Wallace at The Wallace Monument A short (45-minute) guided walk, with costumed actors telling the story of Wallace’s famous encounter with the army of King Edward I at The Battle of Stirling Bridge. The walk commences and finishes at the Monument, and visitors are escorted towards the Stirling Viewpoint, meeting Wallace in the woods, returning to the Monument for the final dramatic scenes.

Sunday 9th August Chapter House Theatre company present The Secret Garden at Hopetoun House Grounds open 6pm. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. Show

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starts at 7pm. For tickets and information phone 0131 331 2451.

families central scotland / issue 29

Saturday 15th August

Jurassic World Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am and 2.30pm Saturday 15th 29th July and 12th August Family Ceilidh’s at the Tolbooth Stirling 8pm.

Sunday 16th August Jack and Jill Market Grangemouth Sports Complex 10.30-1pm. Find everything you need for your 0–9 yr old under one roof, all on the same day. Buggies, bikes, car-seats, cots, clothes, toys and much more — Bargains galore!

Jurassic World (Autism friendly screening) Bo’ness Hippodrome 2.30pm Saturday 22nd August Meet the Bees At Muiravonside Country Park Come and meet the Helix bee keepers at Muiravonside Country Park and learn more about these very important insects.You will also get the chance to see inside a working Bee Hive. Booking is essential as places are limited. Phone the Steeple Box Office (01324 506850). £2 11am and 2pm.

Jupiter Wildlife Centre Forage and Feast 2-4pm. Join the Ranger for a walk through the woods and meadows as we search out some of the tasty edible treats that nature provides. Suitable for children aged 5 and up. Booking essential, phone 01324 486475.

Song of the Sea Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am.

Sunday 23rd August The Great Escape at Doune Castle Experience Doune Castle following the final Jacobite victory at Falkirk in 1746. 12-4pm.

Saturday 29th August Bat Walk with Echoes Ecology at Muiravonside Country Park Come and learn about these elusive creatures and then take a walk in the park with our bat expert. Meet at the Visitor Hub. Suitable for children 8 and over.

Wear appropriate footwear and bring a torch! Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Phone 01324 506850 £3 per person 7.45-9pm.

Kinneil House Open Day See fine Renaissance wall paintings and hear about the amazing people linked with this impressive mansion. Free.

12-3pm.

Thomas & Friends: Sodor’s Legend of the Lost Treasure (U) Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am.

Saturday 29th August to Saturday 12th September In The Night Garden Live at Queens Park Glasgow Step into the magical world of In the Night Garden and see Igglepiggle, Upsy Daisy and Makka Pakka brought to life before your eyes with beautiful costumes, magical puppets, enchanting music and breathtaking projections. In the Night Garden Live takes place in its own purpose-built, familyfriendly Showdome. With just 13 rows of seats, you’ll be close to the action wherever you sit and everyone gets a great view! For tickets and information visit www. inthenightgardenlive.com Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September Pedal for Scotland visit www. pedalforscotland.org for more information on family friendly routes available around Glasgow (5th) and Edinburgh (6th).

Summer Activities at Falkirk Commmunity Trust

Swimming, Sports, Arts and Crafts, Days Out, Outdoor Activites, Helix park, The Kelpies and much more!

Keep the kids busy during the Summer holidays, visit us online at -

@fctrust

Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council

LAST SEEN ON EARTH OVER 75 MILLION YEARS AGO...

UNTIL NOW!

INTRODUCING

Edmontonia AT EDINBURGH ZOO 3rd April -1st November 2015

www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/DinosaursReturn

#DinosaursReturn

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Sports Centre Summer Membership

The race is on to snap up our 4-week summer deal • Adult £40 Child £15 • All the family can play tennis, table-tennis, badminton, football, golf, athletics and enjoy the pool too • Adults can use the fitness centre For full details of this and other summer family offers, visit the University Sports Centre.

01786 466900

www.stir.ac.uk/sports-centre

The University of Stirling is a charity registered in Scotland, number SC 011159.

ONE SCOTTISH MARTYR, ONE EPIC BATTLE & ONE STUNNING LOCATION

TREE FU TOM (c) BBC and FremantleMedia MMX

THE NATIONAL WALLACE MONUMENT

Box Office: 01786 473544 Website: alberthalls.stirling.gov.uk

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SPECIAL EVENTS FOR ALL THE FAMILY TO ENJOY 2. centred

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April - September 2015 Join us for your chance to meet a Scottish hero - face to face.

Historical presentations and activities in a magnificent setting.

Abbey Craig, Hillfoots Road, Stirling FK9 5LF Tel: (01786) 472140 • info@nationalwallacemonument.com www.nationalwallacemonument.com