Central ’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12 FREE Issue 40 May/June 2017

In this Issue • Clubs and classes feature • Mindfulness • Out and about

LIVE Community Festival in association with

Sunday 25 June 2017 Come and enjoy Albion FC Forthbank Stadium 11am-6pm Falkirk’s new football music stalls food village kid’s activities bar and much more… Early bird tickets: £5 p/person family ticket £10 fantastic flavours! (2 adults/2 children under 16) under 5s free Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk www.binoslive.co.uk Proceeds to cancer charities

www.familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] 079302 64979 Have some Summer fun with Falkirk Community Trust Swimming, Sports, Arts & Crafts, Days Out, Outdoor Activities and so much more!

Visit us online and keep the kids active this Summer

Falkirk Community Trust gratefully acknowledges the support of Falkirk Council. Charity number SCO42403.

Empathy. Integrity. Respect.

Discover the Beaconhurst way.

[email protected] | 01786 832146 | beaconhurst.com Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12 FREE Issue 40 May/June 2017

In this Issue • Nursery feature • Easter holidays • Out and about

Welcome to the May/June issue of Families Central Scotland magazine. In Come and enjoy Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours! Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA this issue we have our Clubs and classes Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

www.familiesonline.co.uk [email protected] feature giving you information on some 079302 64979 of the fantastic clubs and classes that are on offer locally. We have an interesting article on the benefits of Mindfulness for your child (and you) and our regular news and views, out and about and parent to parent interview with Linn Rooney,from Little Pony Wishes. Hope you enjoy this issue. Fiona & Louise the editors

In this issue Lighthouse Studios, Stirling - free family photo session and print see advert...... page 3 contact us To advertise with us or have your event listed in our magazine email [email protected] Bookings are now being taken for the July/August issue – deadline for all adverts and editorial 1st June.

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

contents

News and views...... pages 4-6

Clubs and classes feature...... pages 8-11

Parent to parent...... page 12

The benefits of mindfulness...... page 13

Out and about...... pages 14-15

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 Front cover photograph - Shutterstock

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, Remenham House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Central Scotland are fully protected by copyright and none 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. The needs are great – Exciting new range of Life changing Cellfield the rewards are greater youth cycle clothing in programme stock! Former Headteacher, Fiona Macdiarmid – known to many At Stirling Stirling parents as Cycles we Centre Director have just of the popular Kip introduced McGrath tuition centre – believes passionately the fantastic in the power of Cellfield to change lives for looking, Children in Clackmannanshire need the better. The Cellfield programme has carefully foster carers like you – local people who helped well over 250 people overcome designed can offer a safe and secure experience dyslexia and similar processing difficulties new and lots of fun. You don’t need to be since Fiona introduced it to the UK. Based range of youth cycling a home owner, or married - single or on the science of brain plasticity, Cellfield clothing from Madison. It’s an area often same sex couples can also become stimulates the brain networks which process overlooked by cycle clothing manufacturers, foster carers. You do need one or the visual and auditory aspects of reading. but why should kids miss out on high more spare bedrooms that you can This brings about sustainable improvements in quality technical riding kit? From ages 7 to make comfy and warm, time, patience, reading and language processing. “Everyone’s 12 years, we have short and long sleeve understanding, and a sense of humour. experience of Cellfield is different but all tops, mountain bike and road shorts, jackets, You’ll be expected to take part in a our clients have found it helpful,” explains helmets and accessories at great value training programme, ongoing support Fiona, “on average, our clients can gain over prices. The new range is the perfect add and advice is available and you’ll have 2 years in their reading age, after just 10 days opportunities to meet other foster on to our range of lightweight junior bikes With ample of treatment.” Gains in reading age are only carers regularly. Foster carers receive from Ridgeback and Saracen. free car parking to the rear, come and part of the story, however, as many clients a fee and allowance for each child take a look in store at 18b Airthrey Road, have found Cellfield to be life changing fostered. To find out more please call Causewayhead, Stirling, FK9 5JR. We are because of the positive impact it has on 01259 225085, email fosteradopt@ Visit www. open Mon to Sat from 9am – 5:30pm. Tel: overall confidence and self belief. clacks.gov.uk or log on to clacksweb. cellfield.co.uk or call 01786 447527 org.uk 01786 451559.

Hat-trick as Stirling trio join forces Family fun at Falkirk Town Hall for charity community event FTH Theatre is the place to be for Stirling Albion FC, The families of all ages! The outstanding, Scribbler’s Picnic and Prudential hilarious and just down right brilliant UK & Europe have collaborated Horrible Histories takes to the stage to create an exciting new with ‘The Best of Barmy Britain’ and family friendly community is perfect for the older kids in the event – Binos Live. The trio family while CBeebie’s ‘Sarah & Duck’ have joined forces to create stage performance is guaranteed to a day of football and music which kicks off 11am - 6pm wow the toddlers. ‘The Very Hungry Sunday 25 June at Forthbank Stadium. The event will include Caterpillar’, although a children’s a range of football activities promoting Stirling Albion’s work show, is absolutely perfect for in the community. Stirling fundraising group The Scribbler’s anyone with its magical puppets Picnic will be hosting two stages of live music, a food village, and beautiful set. Get tickets now, stalls and kid’s activities. Prudential UK & Europe, one of the falkirkcommunitytrust.org or call area’s biggest employers, is sponsoring the event. For more 01324 506850. information go to www.binoslive.co.uk

Lecropt Nursery Old Doune Road Nursery Bridge of Allan OSC • Easy drop off and pick up point • Easy drop off and pick up point • Located near local train station and bus stops • Located near local train station and bus stops After school care dedicated to Bridge of Allan nearby nearby Primary, provided on school premises. • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Daycare for 3 mths - 5 years old • Child centred care • Child centred care Term Time - Mon to Fri, 3.15 till 6.00 pm • Large outdoor secure play area • Large outdoor secure play area • Healthy snacks provided • Healthy snacks provided • Rise and Shine Club 8am-9am Monday- • Full & Part Time Places • Full & Part Time Places Thursday • Professional & Experienced Early Years • Professional & Experienced Early Years • Enjoy healthy snacks Practitioners Practitioners • A place for children to relax • Member of NDNA • Member of NDNA • Or simply just have fun • Established 2006 • Established 2003 • Service provider also owns the well- • Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm • Mon - Fri 8 am - 6 pm established Lecropt Nursery • Work in partnership with the local authority • Work in partnership with the local authority Tel: 01786 822854 For further details please contact Lorna Jack Tel 01786 834596 www.olddouneroadnursery.co.uk Mob: 07852782166 www.lecropt-nursery.co.uk 4A Old Doune Road. Dunblane, FKI5 9AG Email: [email protected]

4 families central scotland / issue 40 Experience life at Beaconhurst Keep Tabs School on their Situated in a leafy A one snap campus in Bridge of solution clothes Allan, independent - they’re re-usable too! Beaconhurst Nursery and School offers an inclusive, rounded approach to lifelong “A truly wonderful product—Snappy Tags Recommended by takes the hassle and pain out of labelling.”

learning. Academic excellence is at the forefront of learning www.verymummy.com but what really makes Beaconhurst unique is the relationships between staff, pupils and parents. This is a family school with a proud emphasis on its core values of Ambition, Integrity, Empathy, www.snappytags.co.uk Tel: (0844) 5611994 Resilience and Respect. The school has a strong partnership with nearby Stirling University and excels in the pathways it offers in Sport, Outdoor Learning and the Expressive Arts. Prospective Linlithgow families can come and see for themselves what Beaconhurst Nursery has to offer at an Open Afternoon on Monday May 1st (a Bank

Holiday) between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. There will be guided tours around the campus as pupils and staff go about their normal Hot Meals now included in the daily rate More business giving a real insight into how Beaconhurst operates. details are available on the website – www.beaconhurst.com – and prospective visitors are asked to register in advance by Early opening at 7.30 emailing [email protected] or calling the school on 01786 832146. Escort to/from Linlithgow school nurseries

Linlithgow Bridge 01506 239 295 Toy Hub open new shop in Bridge of Allan www.thekidzstop.co.uk (Bo’ness 01506 828 007) Independent retailer Toy Hub based in Dunblane has taken the plunge and opened a new store located in nearby Bridge of Allan. The new store has brought new ranges to their shelves including the latest craze Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty and positive role model award winning Lottie Dolls. Open 7 days a week their experienced team are on hand to welcome you and help you find just the right gift, game or toy for the big and little kids in your lives. They also offer a free click & collect service available through their website www. toyhubdirect.co.uk. You can keep track of their ever changing ranges and exciting events through their Facebook page www.facebook. com/toyhubdirect Take the Right Route

Join hundreds of pupils in walking to school as part of national Walk to School Week from 15-19 May 2017. Every primary school in the Falkirk Council area is taking part in this year’s campaign to help improve levels of health, fitness and the local environment. Last year 42% of primary school pupils walked to school with a further 9% of pupils cycling or scooting/skating to school. Do your bit and be part of Walk to School Week to make walking the natural choice and part of every child’s daily routine. Children who do some form of exercise, especially a walk before school arrive fit, refreshed and ready to learn, do better in class and are happier, healthier and more independent. One in five cars on the road during morning rush hour are taking children to school. Let’s swap those school runs for school walks. Give your kids a Bright Start to the day… Take the Right Route! For more information visit www.falkirk.gov. uk/taketherightroute

5 Calling all Mumpreneurs! Protect your children’s vision from harmful UV rays

With summer on the way, you will be looking forward to spending more time outdoors with your children. Spending time outside is fantastic for your health but did you know up to 80% of UV light absorption in the eye occurs by the age of 18 (World Health Organisation). Worryingly kids often don’t have eye protection on to block the harmful effects of UV. This can contribute to eye problems in later life e.g. macular degeneration and cataract.

Independent optician Ochil Eyes are keen to help Good Green Fun is a Stirling charity that you protect your children’s eyes and carry a large recycles and sells a wide range of good range of prescription and non prescription sunglasses for kids. Parent and optician Emma Kelly quality pre-loved baby and children’s advises parents to ensure their children wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. She says “Always items. Our aim is to help local families, go for sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB and speak to an optician if you have any while diverting waste from landfill. We questions about your children’s eye health.” To arrange an eye examination for your child have a dedicated friendly team who are simply contact the friendly team at Ochil Eyes on 01259 752 755 Ochil Eyes, 105 High the heart and soul of the charity and as Street Tillicoultry. Visit us on www.ochileyes.co.uk we embark upon our 10th year, we are expanding! Off the Page book festival, 4th-15th May We are seeking talented mums and Highlights this year include James Kelman dads to join our volunteer team. We talking about Dirt Road accompanied by need social media gurus, on-line sale Neil Sutcliffe, a musician from Stirling and pros, sorters, fixers and menders, The Dirt Roadsters. Alan Bissett will also event organisers, community liaisons, be performing The Moira Monologues for fund raisers and mentors. Most of all the first time in Stirling in advance of the we need ideas and enthusiasm from release of The Moira Monologues 2 later individuals who think they could make in the year. The Off the Page family Ceilidh a difference. There is no set time also makes a comeback this year with commitment for volunteering and music from the Riverside Ceilidh Band and some roles could be done from home. poetry and music from Owen Sutcliffe For more information email info@ in Gaelic and English. Off the Page will goodgreenfun.co.uk also offer a variety of events for children with writers including Ross Collins, Alex Scarrow and our popular family days continue to feature this year with a special Adventure Time Party in Cambusbarron Library and a Comic-kids event in the Tolbooth Theatre featuring Gary Little Stars, Alloa – new Erskine and Chris Mitchell. Bookbug sessions will again feature throughout the week. nursery! Cultural events like Off the Page are part of what makes Stirling unique and this year is sure to After nearly 20 years caring for have an event happening near you in our local libraries and with friendly staff to welcome you. children in Alloa Little Stars Nursery We look forward to seeing you at our events. Keep up to date with what’s going on at www. is moving just along the road to culturestirling.org/offthepage The Pleasures, just behind the new Redwell Primary School. The purpose built 4000sq ft building will offer 51 for providing the opportunity to purchase the by the end of this year. Contact the nursery nursery places for children from birth land the new nursery will be built on. With on 01259 720142 to register your interest in to 5 years in an open plan, quality the planned increase in pre-school funding pre-school or after school clubs. Any Qualified learning environment. Excitingly for to 1140 hours by the Scottish government pre-school educators or trainees looking for a the first time Little Stars will also be it is an ideal time to plan for the future and new start please call the same number. www. providing 30 breakfast club and after increasing demand. This new nursery in littlestarsnurseries.net school care places including a school Alloa will be designed in line with their other holiday club. The £500,000 project nurseries in Falkirk, Stirling, will provide 20 full and part time jobs and Hillington - including one for a chef as we will be with the outdoor area a providing a hot home cooked meal replica of the Hillington as part of our new service. Owners play area highlighted by Sheila and Kevin Gilmartin have been the Care Inspectorate as looking for a new location for a while an ‘exceptional outdoor as their current site is too small to learning environment.’ cope with the growing enquiries from The parents of local parents. Little Stars Nursery is the Clackmannanshire will have longest private partner provider with the perfect indoor and Clacks Council and it’s thanks to them outdoor nursery available

6 families central scotland / issue 40 Bright Start

If your kids walk to school they will arrive more alert and ready to learn.

Small Changes, Big Benefits Take the Right Route www.falkirk.gov.uk/taketherightroute clubs and classes lubs and classes can have great benefits for you and your children. For new mums (and dads) life can be a bit Howie’s Kids Club, Falkirk overwhelming at times, clubs and classes help you get out and Howie’s Kids Club in The Howgate Cmeet other people, you can form strong friendships for the future as Shopping Centre, Falkirk holds free well as providing a fun and interactive time for your baby or toddler. events on the first Saturday of each Clubs and classes are a great chance to try out a new skill or discover month aimed at children ages 11 years a new talent. They can help kids grow in confidence and learn valuable and under. Be Experimental will hold social skills. Active/sporty classes can help with fitness, motor skills science workshops on Saturday 6th May and we’re hoping and teamwork, for classes such as music or languages these can help to raise much needed funds for CHAS at our Superhero with concentration and give your child a great sense of achievement Day on 3rd June. All your favourite Superhero’s will be in or help with learning at school. For school age kids, school can often town so dress up and join in the fun with Superhero themed be an anxious or difficult place to be but an after school club or class challenges, demonstrations and games. We’re also hosting can help your child feel good at something outside of school helping to a Minion takeover day at our July Kids Club on Saturday 1st build their confidence and self esteem or just a great way for children to celebrate the release of Despicable Me 3. So mark the to let off steam. Read on for some great local clubs and classes. dates in your diary and follow us on Facebook or www. howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk for event details.

Jo Jingles Falkirk and Stirling Jo Jingles would love to see you Macrobert Arts Centre making music with him at venues Macrobert Arts Centre has a including Stirling, Polmont, Larbert and fantastic programme for children, Grangemouth. We believe in learning young people and families of all through musical fun and value time with ages this Summer. From Bookbug our favourite grown ups. Many classes are full so please contact and Storytelling sessions for wee me to check availability. We hope to introduce new classes ones, and drama, puppetry, dance and arts and crafts for in the autumn so like us on Facebook to keep up with our primary children. For young people (S1+), there’s another news and join in our “Go live” sessions at home! No weekly opportunity to create a show in a week with Director Lucy fee for babies aged 3-5 months. Age specific and mixed age Wild and our technical team. Plus have fun exploring the Call Aileen classes available. Look forward to hearing from you! venue with their free Art Backpacks, drop in art sessions on 0141 416 0405(LR) or email [email protected] and the brand new Sharing Stories Exhibition. For further Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/jojinglesstirlingarea and information including dates, times and cost, visit www. the website www.jojingles.com/stirlingarea for up to date macrobertartscentre.org or you can phone the Box Office information. on 01786 466 666. Full details are also included in the Spring Macrobert Arts Centre Live Guide, available from Cycle Proficiency Training mid April 2017. Stirling Cycle Training are running on road cycling beginners courses, during the holidays for children aged 7 & 8 and 9 – 13. Stirling Rock School The courses are suitable for children who We are running a series of fun packed have done no previous cycle proficiency Summer Band Camps. Each camp offers 5 training or those who feel they need more packed days of learning and creating music practise to cycle safely on the road. The and is delivered by professional musicians. training starts in a traffic free area before moving on to quiet If you are ages 8yrs - 16yrs, come along roads. Classes available Monday 3rd to Thursday 6th July and for the chance to try new instruments, form a band, perform, Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st July. The classes for children aged record in the studio, make a video, a CD to take away and play 9 – 13 are over 4 mornings, 10am – 12 noon, cost £45 per music games and activities. No experience is needed. Each child. The classes for children aged 7 & 8 are shorter, 2.00pm camp is priced at £120 per week kicking off the week beginning – 3.30pm, cost £40 per child. This will be similar to 9-13 year the 10th July. Each day starts at 10am and finishes at 3.30pm. We olds class but we expect to spend more time on bike control are offering a 10% early bird discount off bookings made before exercises and we will not progress onto mini roundabouts. Full June 10th. Spaces are limited and are on a first come first serve information at www.stirlingcycletraining.com and phone 07966 basis so booking is essential. Book now on 01786 448 417 or 201 519. visit www.stirlingrockschool.co.uk

[email protected] www.swimvibe.co.uk

Progressive high quality Swim lessons Teachers in the pool Intensive Holiday Swimming Programme Small classes Free Water Safety Session N ew Classes Bo’ness & Falkirk Fun Gala All ages & abilities

8 families central scotland / issue 40 clubs and classes Jungle Room Zoolab New classes in Dunblane and Children love animals and nature, Stirling so imagine attending a Parent and Child session deep in the heart of the rainforest! At The ZooLab Jungle Room, our Parent and Child sessions are carefully designed to empower Come out of your you and your child, as you discover the shell and learn to natural world in a fun and creative way. Our sessions are full swim the Turtle of imaginative, hands-on learning experiences that combine song and movement, messy play and of course – animal Tots way handling! It doesn’t stop there, throughout the summer E-mail: [email protected] holidays The ZooLab Jungle Room will host themed or call 07855 395899 activities for children age 0-14. Interested? Please call 01324 www.turtletots.com 667 356 to find out more. Booking required, please visit bookwhen.com/zoolabjungleroom for availability and prices. Exciting Music Bugs, Stirlingshire Interactive Music Bugs run fun weekly sessions in Stirling, Dunblane, Callander & Fun and Menstrie. Classes include lots The most original musical baby & toddler classes on the planet of fantastic activities and props Classes held in Falkirk and Stirling to engage children and keep them entertained. Expect Please contact Lynsey traditional nursery rhymes, silly songs, action songs, knee T: 07914023928 E: [email protected] bouncers and finger play rhymes as well as puppets, hobby Facebook: hartbeepsfalkirk horses, bubbles, pom poms, parachutes, teddies, chiffon Twitter: HartBeepsFalk scarves, rhythm sticks and lots of lovely tactile percussion instruments. Classes are tailored to 4 different age ranges: Family Bugs (mixed ages), Mini Bugs (6–24 mths) , Jumping Bugs (1.5 - 4 yrs), and Baby Bugs (0 – walking). Contact www.hartbeeps.com Roslyn Dale on 0844-412-8197 or email roslyn@ musicbugs.co.uk to book a £4.50 taster session or take advantage of their 3 classes for £10 introductory offer. You can access class locations and session times at:www. musicbugs.co.uk/stirling/classes Details about their GARRY SHAW Birthday Party packages are available on request. MARTIAL ARTS

Have a great summer this year with Falkirk Community Trust! This summer, the kids can keep active with Falkirk Community Trust and their huge range of activities for all ages. Whether the wee ones fancy learning to swim this year, TAEKWON-DO learning a new sport, getting crafty or joining in on some outdoor fun, we have it all and they can learn in a fun, safe and Classes in Denny, Falkirk and Larbert structured environment. Full listings on all our activities are www.shawmartialarts.co.uk available on our website www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org You can also find us on Facebook – Falkirk Community Trust, or follow us on Twitter @FCTrust

Our quali ed teachers create individual Professional tutoring programmes for your child, using Tutoring proven Kip McGrath methods. in Maths and English Tutoring at Kip is fun and stimulating!

To nd out more, call our STIRLING CENTRE Call TODAY For more info please contact 01786 474 818 for a free 01786 818602 / 07734 461615 [email protected] assessment [email protected] www.kipmcgrath.co.uk

9 clubs and classes Swim for Safety, Fun and Health with SwimVibe Kip McGrath Summer Tutoring We offer swimming lessons for The Stirling Kip McGrath centre will be children and adults of all ages and running their popular summer tutoring abilities. Small classes with the sessions again this summer. Based teacher in the pool. Our teachers on the Stirling University campus, Kip are passionate and enthusiastic, and maintain a high level of McGrath has been a trusted source teaching and commitment. We allow children to feel their own natural buoyancy in the water so they gain confidence, learn to of support for many Stirling families for well over 10 years. submerge and develop swimming skills quickly. Classes run in Kip McGrath tuition is individualised for each student and all Falkirk and Bo’ness. We include free water safety sessions prior their tutors are fully qualified teachers. Running for 3 weeks to the summer holidays to educate and inform swimmers of during the school summer holidays their summer tutoring risks, safe practice and awareness around all bodies of water. We programme helps children keep their brains active and also offer intensive swimming courses and 1:1 session’s during boosts their confidence before they return to school after the summer holidays. Enrol Now! [email protected] or the long holiday. To find out more, contact Kip McGrath in 07425569197 Stirling on 01786 474818.

Garry Shaw Martial Arts, Martial arts for all the family Coco’s Moo Music, Falkirk TKD tigers - Suitable for ages 3-6 years Coco’s Moo Music classes are music teaching stranger drills, health & nutrition, and movement classes for babies and emergency skills, bully drills, & team work & children age 0-5 years. Moo Music classes leadership. Respect and confidence are taught meet nearly every target in the Early Taekwondo in our classes. - Suitable for ages Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines. 7 and above. Come and learn this Korean Our interactive Moosic classes will help your little one gain martial art of self defence based on hand and foot techniques. Our classes include self defence, fitness, build confidence, make confidence, develop memory, language and co-ordination friends and much more. Korean kickboxing - Come along skills in an exciting, enjoyable and multi sensory way. We and get fit and active. Our classes include flexibility, strength also do Moo Doo’s birthday parties, the birthday child will exercises, self defence, fun & fitness and lots more. We also have receive a gift and we can supply invites. Get in touch to find ladies only classes as well. All classes are taught by a 6th degree out more. Coco’s Moo Music, The Cowshed, Callendar fully qualified black belt. Classes avalable in Falkirk, Larbert and Park, Falkirk. [email protected] Denny. Contact Garry Shaw VI degree on 07734 461615 or [email protected] or visit www.shawmartialarts.co.uk Turtle Tots Swimming Classes Turtle Tots is a unique and innovative pregnancy Hartbeeps to playground swimming The most original musical baby, toddler programme. As well as and pre-school classes on the planet. teaching water confidence Come and experience the magical world of Hartbeeps with specialist mini- and essential life-saving skills that will stay with your child for productions to complement and enhance life, our classes are also fun, friendly and progressive, building every stage of your child’s early years, from birth to pre-school. on skills week on week. You can start our baby classes as We can’t wait to welcome you to our award-winning classes soon as you feel ready after your baby is born and there which are available throughout Falkirk and Central areas and is no need to wait for vaccinations. We also have a splashy are available through term time and school holidays. To enquire, book a class or for a birthday party enquiry please visit www. toddler programme for children up to 4 years, which you can hartbeeps.com, call or text Lynsey on 07914023928 or email join at any point. We offer catch up classes, payment plans [email protected] You can also see what’s going on at and have classes available across Central Scotland including Hartbeeps in your area by visiting our Facebook pages. Magic Stirling, Dunblane and Larbert. For more information, email Sprinkles, Lynsey xx us at [email protected] or visit www.turtletots.com/ en/centralscotland

A unique & eff ective approach to overcoming Dyslexia Call Cell eld in STIRLING 01786 447 527 info@cell eld.co.uk www.cell eld.co.uk

Cellfield changes lives...

10 families central scotland / issue 40 clubs and classes

Sing, dance and act this summer at Falkirk Community Trust’s summer schools Falkirk Town Hall have three great summer schools to suit all ages and interests. Ready Steady Show – Starman (24th to 28th July) Spend the week creating a performance themed around a futuristic world featuring songs by the late great David Bowie and other iconic music stars. Suitable for ages 7-18. Theatre Summer School – The Jungle Book (14th to 18th August) An adapted version of this classic tale you will tell through drama and movement performing live in Callendar Park! Suitable for ages 7-18. Tim Noble Stars of the Future Summer School Intensive – (7th – 9th August) Working with world class choreographers, dancers and vocal coaches you will create pieces of work to be staged in a showcase event in August. For ages 5 to adult! For full details, times and prices call (01324) 506850 or visit www.falkirkcommunitytrust. org/arts

Colourstrings Music & Movement Classes for babies, toddlers and preschoolers

Colourstrings is a world-renowned approach to music education with singing and live music at the heart of every class. Songs, rhymes, action games, percussion instruments, dancing and movement are used to create an active and stimulating music experience. Children are taken on an adventure through Musicland where they develop their sense of pitch, pulse and rhythm in a fun, motivated and structured way. Colourstrings Dunblane classes are delivered by Yvonne Wyroslawska, a musician and educator with more than a decade’s experience of working with children in the early years. Classes are held on Wednesdays at the Braeport Centre, Dunblane, with special sessions in the school holidays for older children. For booking and further information visit www.colourstringsdunblane.com

Our holiday courses for children RESENTS OL P aged 7 & 8 and 9-13 are suitable HO Ages 8+ SC K for those who have either done no no experience C needed O R SU cycle proficiency training or who G M IN M L E feel they need more practice to IR T R S cycle safely on the roads. We start B in a traffic free area before moving A

N onto quiet roads.

D

C 10am - 12 noon for

A 4 mornings £45 per M P child 9 -13 2.00 - 3.30 pm for 4 afternoons £40 per child 7 & 8 Monday - Friday 10.00 - 3.30pm £120.00 per week - Start Week Beginning 10th July • Tuesday7-10 April 5th to 10% early bird discount if booked before June 10th. 3rd4-7th4-7 to July April6th July Friday 3rd 4-74-7 to April8th 6thJuly April July 18th8-118-11 to 23rd AugustAugust July www.StirlingRockSchool.co.uk 01786 448 417 18th to 21st July

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FAMILIES MAG 180 x 130.indd 1 24/01/2014 00:01 parent to parent i my name is Linn Rooney, from Little Favourite night out with the kids Pony Wishes. I am 37 years old and It has to be ten pin bowling, my Hmum of 5. I have MS but have found kids absolutely love it and they ways to keep doing the things I have always are all very competitive! loved and been passionate about in life. I own Proudest eco-friendly moment little miniature American horses, I downsized from the full size horse about 7 years ago and I make sure I re-use my bags. I was always wasting and throwing wouldn’t change. In January 2017 I started away bags but now I am a lot setting up my own business involving my little more careful. minis doing events and parties, dressing them up, pampering them and giving people the Best planet saving tip chance to enjoy them too. I enjoy taking them I am very good at recycling to new places and meeting lots of people. products. I reuse all wrapping paper, It’s a great way for kids to get up close to gift bags, ribbons etc and actually make the horses and as they are small I can take things look good rather than throwing stuff them anywhere. As well as offering children’s out all the time.

parties, I can offer different packages to No parent should be without suit any event. Please phone me on 07827 Their children! 328352, email me on linnrooney123@hotmail. Most played with toys co.uk or find Little Pony Wishes on facebook. Parenting pet hates The girls love their dolls and prams. I don’t like bad manners and cheeky Why you like living where you do? children. Biggest waste of money I enjoy living in Falkirk, it’s near friends and I think buying children designer clothes as family and I live right next to the school, Most embarrassing moment they grow out of them all the time. parks and shops so it’s handy for everything This would be when we were walking you need. through a retail park with my eldest son, Most successful recipe/food who was 2 years old at the time and we A family favourite is Beef Stroganoff with Favourite shop couldn’t understand why we were getting rice or baked potatoes. I like Debenhams because there’s a whole lots of funny looks from people. Then we range for the kids and myself and the quality realised my sons pull-ups and trousers had Any other comment is good. fallen down. Enjoy life as it goes past so quick and before you know it your kids are not kids anymore. Favourite Park Funniest comment your kids have ever Callendar Park as it has peaceful areas to made walk about and a great swing park for the “Mummy did they have tellies when you kids. It is very close to my house and great were wee back in the olden days.” Linn’s Local for picnics in the summer. Recommendations Favourite family holiday spot Favourite children’s club/class Calendar Park in Falkirk St Lucia is so peaceful and with the sunny The football club at the school on a Friday, weather it was great every day. The kids Pizza Hut in Falkirk my youngest son loves it. keep saying it was the best holiday we have been on and I will always remember it. Cineworld Cinema in Falkirk Favourite day out I love a day with my kids and horses, just Most loved children’s book Debenhams in The Howgate Shopping Centre chilling and having fun. We love the BFG by Roald Dahl. Pro Bowl in Falkirk and AMF Favourite child friendly restaurant Best children DVD or tele programme Bowling in Stirling The kids like Pizza Hut, as it is next to the It has to be Peppa Pig! cinema; it makes a great night out for all the family.

12 families central scotland / issue 40 the benefits of mindfulness The benefits of mindfulness in children The past two decades have seen an mindfulness meditation has a great abundance of research, and hundreds of positive effect on children with studies conducted, about the increasingly autism. To be mindful helps one popular practice of mindfulness. But, just keep focused in a precise moment. what is mindfulness? And does it have the Taking medication for autism, ADHD same positive effect on younger children, or ADD does not have long-term specifically those between the ages of three benefits, however, mindfulness can and 11? help long term given it is practised daily and part of one’s lifestyle, not What is mindfulness? only for children but also for adults. In short, mindfulness is a simplistic program Parents and/or carers who look after of meditative activities. It is a simple, yet children with such disorders can often powerful observation free from criticism and find themselves dealing with stress, so is a new and improved way of seeing what things such as meditation and mindful is happening to us in our lives. Although very thinking can help reduce the effects of effective once learnt, mindfulness does not stress, thus enabling them to deal with rid you of everyday problems and pressures, situations in a calmer, more helpful yet it does provide you with the tools and way, to themselves and children. mindset needed to handle them in a calmer way. Some of those with autism suffer from psychological imbalances, such as lack How can mindfulness help young of rhythm. Children who struggle with this Some children find short yoga routines at children? can have difficulty when trying to balance the start or end of their day a great way to Extensive research has shown that the inner and outer world, which can result clear their mind and relax, as well as stay in mindfulness can help children between the in issues with interaction or distorted tune with their mind and bodies. These sorts ages of three and 11. If we take a look at the relationships. One area of mindfulness of activities are perfect for all ages, from developmental changes that occur within that may benefit these children is Mantra very young children to the elderly. Children children, the physical changes and events Meditation. This type of meditation is all who are undertaking exams may find yoga a such as starting school, socialising, and simply about repetition, such as repeating a sound much-needed break from studying, as even learning about life, it makes perfect sense to or repeating a movement or word. It’s this 10 minutes’ practice can provide great clarity equip youngsters with tools on how to deal calm and harmonising meditation that can and help to re-focus the mind. with their emotions, and how to develop help to restore the child’s sense of rhythm. a positive outlook on life with mindfulness Many practitioners are encouraging schools skills. Children can learn vital stress-relieving Can mindfulness help your child and parents to practise mindfulness with skills such as breathing techniques, mindful thrive at school? their children due to the plethora of proven hearing and listening. If children struggle with More and more children are feeling the stress benefits to all. For instance, Susan Kaiser an emotion or get angry they can revert to and pressure of school life. With a push to Greenland has published a study named mindfulness techniques to learn how to deal succeed academically, to make friends or ‘Mindful Revolution in Education.’ This with, and control, those emotions. even anxieties related to changing or starting informative piece goes into more detail on new schools, these pressures are simply no the ways in which mindfulness programs Mindfulness and autism, ADHD good for our children. With this in mind it is for children can help create a more and ADD no surprise that teachers, carers and parents compassionate, calmer youngster with good The Autism Research and Treatment are looking towards proven methods of practices. For more information, visit: www. study undertaken by Sequeira is a piece mindfulness to protect and nurture their familiesonline.co.uk/wellbeing of research that supports the notion that youngsters’ mental and general wellbeing.

The needs are great The rewards are greater Become a foster carer

Call us on 01259 225085 or email [email protected]

www.clacksweb.org.uk/children/fostering

13 Saturday 1st September Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks out & about in advance of the event. Please call and check events with the venue to avoid any disappointment before setting out. Thistles Centre Little Thistlet’s Various Wednesdays in Wednesday 17th May Saturday 27th May and Club Dinosaurs Detectives Step May and June 10th June back in time with Terry Dactyl and his team on a dino stomping, rip Bookbugs Big Giggle at Scotland’s National Hero at Callendar House Falkirk Stories, Water Safari at Linlithgow Loch The Wallace Monument Listen ROARing, storytelling adventure. Ranger guided tour of Linlithgow Free 11-4pm. fun and laughter. 10-2pm. For as a costumed actor gives more information visit www. Loch by Canadian canoe with fully you an insight into the life of falkirkcommunitytrust.org qualified instructors. Suitable for Scotland’s National Hero. www. Monday 8th May beginners or those with some nationalwallacemonument.com paddling experience. .Pre booking MamaBabaMe! at Falkirk Town Saturday 20th May essential. For tickets contact the rangers on 0131 652 8150. Thursday 4th to Monday Hall Join us at the ringside of our mini arena for MamaBabaMe to Night Light at Macrobert Arts 15th May Centre witness this exciting new dance, A magical and poetic Saturday 27th and journey through the night, Off the Page Book Festival in theatre and live music experience Sunday 28th May and around Stirling A great made especially for infants and exploring children’s relationship programme of literary events for their grown ups. For tickets and with light. Suitable for ages 3-6. A Battle Won at Wallace www.macrobertartscentre.org both children and adults. www. information phone 01324 506850. Monument Watch as costumed facebook.com/offthepagefestival Eco Bags Workshop with actors bring to life the main Tuesday 9th to Saturday Forth Upcycling Network at events of William Wallace and Andrew de Moray’s victory in Saturday 6th May 13th May Muiravonside Country Park 1297 at The Battle of Stirling Come and join Forth Upcycling Bridge. For details visit www. Larbert Amateur Dramatics Network and design your very Howie’s kids Club at The nationalwallacemonument.com Howgate Centre - Be present the Adams Family own eco bag to take away with at the Dobbie Hall Larbert Experimental Kids can get you. Free. For information phone messy exploring the amazing Musical fun for all the 01324 506850. Sunday 28th May properties of polymers in this family. www.facebook.com/ hands on slime-lab and investigate LarbertAmateurOperaticSociety Project Theatre present Disney Children Classic Concerts at everything from water marbles Jungle Book Kids at Falkirk Town Macrobert Arts Centre -Tartan Hall to gummy worms. 12-3pm. Free Thursday 11th to Sunday Specially adapted from the Tales Join the Children’s Classic For more details visit www. 21st May classic film, this musical includes all Concerts Clan for a musical howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk your favourite Disney tunes. www. journey through the swirling mists The Falkirk Tryst Festival projecttheatre.org.uk of Scottish storytelling with their Saturday 6th and Sunday Celebrate the best of the arts mighty mini-orchestra. For tickets Jupiter Wildlife Centre 25th visit www.macrobertartscentre. 7th May from throughout Falkirk in this Anniversary annual festival with lots of family Celebrate the past org Join in the free workshop 25 years of Jupiter’s creation Funbox present Underwater friendly events including magic, after the show. Tickets are free music, dance, musical theatre, and with a day of fun filled family but ticketed, so please book in Adventure at Macrobert Arts activities. Drop in anytime Centre Anchors away with Anya, workshops for children. www. advance. facebook.com/TrystFestival between 10.30 and 3.30pm. For Gary and Kevin for their all new information contact the ranger on show! For tickets and information falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. Saturday 3rd June visit www.macrobertartscentre. Saturday 13th May org.uk or phone 01324 486475. org Howie’s kids Club at The Barrowland Ballet Present Little The Thistles Great Stirling Family Howgate Centre - Superhero Power Rangers Bo’ness Red at Macrobert Arts Centre Run The Family Run, which takes day All your favourite Superhero’s Hippodrome. Journey into the unknown place at the University of Stirling, will be in town so dress with this fairytale, retold in a is open to children aged 3-13 up and join in the fun with Saturday 6th, 13th and fun and thrilling way. www. years old. For the older children Superhero themed challenges, 20th and Sunday 7th, macrobertartscentre.org (9-13 years old) a dedicated wave demonstrations and games. 12- 14th and 21st May will be available at the start. Pre 3pm. Free For more details visit Tryst Parade in Falkirk Town booking essential. www.howgateshoppingcentre. A Walk With Wallace at Kicking off in style, co.uk Lego Batman Wallace Monument Costumed the Parade will be marching Bo’ness actors recreate scenes from around Falkirk with stalls at the Hippodrome. Jupiter Wildlife Centre – Bee’s Wallace’s famous encounter with Steeple and performances at the are Best Buzz along with us the army of King Edward I at The bandstand. Come along and join Saturday 27th May and find out why bees rule. Battle of Stirling Bridge. www. us to celebrate this annual free Suitable for ages 5 to 12. For nationalwallacemonument.com event. information contact the ranger on Dunblane Fling by the River An falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. action packed day of fun, music org.uk or phone 01324 486475. Sunday 7th May Saturday 13th and and family entertainment and Sunday 14th May of course the famous duck race. Dunblane Primary School Horrible Histories: Best of Barmy 12-4pm. Summer Fete Inflatable Slides, Day Out With Thomas at Bo’ness Britain at Falkirk Town Hall Bouncy Castle, Obstacle Course, Railway Jupiter Wildlife Centre Prepare yourselves for Horrible Engines with friendly – Face Painting, BBQ, Tombola, Histories live on stage featuring faces, children’s entertainment, Forage for Fun Discover hidden Preloved Toys & Books, Chocolate all your favourite characters from competitions, face painting, delicacies found in the forest. Fountain, Popcorn Machine, Cake Britain’s barmy past. For tickets fairground attractions. www. Suitable for ages 5 and up. For and Candy, and lots more! 1.30- and information phone 01324 bkrailway.co.uk information contact the ranger on 4pm. 506850. falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. Peppa Pig: My First Cinema org.uk or phone 01324 486475. Wee Jaunt Falkirk at The Helix Experience Bo’ness Hippodrome. Saturday 3rd, 10th and Denny and Dunipace Gala Day This is a circular cycle route of 7.5 Sunday 4th and 11th June miles with the start and finish-line Sunday 14th May Zootopia Bo’ness Hippodrome In Wallace’s Footsteps Pick up next to the Lagoon in the middle your Safe Passage Letter and of the park. Great for all the family. Jack and Jill Market in Map in the Visitor Centre at the www.pedalforscotland.org Grangemouth Pre loved baby and Monument and then you’re all children’s items at great prices. set to follow the trail to find the Scots army camp, and join the

14 families central scotland / issue 40 Saturday 1st September out & about other volunteers and recruits of and 2pm. Contact the ranger on Saturday 17th June animals. £3 per person. Booking Wallace’s army. Along the way falkirkranger@scottishwildlifetrust. is essential as spaces are limited. you will meet historical characters, org.uk or phone 01324 486475. Phone 01324 506850. and pick up the information and Herb Planter Workshop with the skills you will need! 11am, Messy Church at Bo’ness Forth Upcycling Network at 12pm, 2pm and 3pm. www. Salvation Army Join us for songs, Muiravonside Country Park Sunday 25th June nationalwallacemonument.com a story, crafts, food and lots of Come and make your very own mess at our Messy Church event herb planter to take away with Bino’s Live in Association with from 11-1pm All are welcome you. Pot it up and see what you Scribblers Picnic at Forthbank Sunday 4th June (children must be accompanied can grow. Free but booking Stadium Family fun, football and by an adult over 18). Call 01506 essential. Phone 01325 506850. music to raise money for charity. Thistles Centre Little Thistlet’s 828502 for more details. For tickets and information visit Club Crazy Cooks Help Philip Grangemouth Gala Day www.binoslive.co.uk De Pancake and Wilma Whish to Menstrie Gala Day CBeebies: Sarah & Duck on stage mix and whisk and flip the world’s Sunday 18th June biggest pancake! Free 11-4pm. at Falkirk Town Hall Join Sarah & Friday 16th June Duck on their flappy, quacky Great Father’s Day at Bo’ness Railway A Big Adventure! For tickets and Saturday 10th June The Very Hungry Caterpillar at Father’s day treat for all the family information phone 01324 506850. Falkirk Town Hall This timeless - steam trains, vintage carriages National Theatre Live Peter Pan classic makes its way off the page and classic cars. www.bkrailway. at Macrobert Arts Centre and and onto the stage in this critically co.uk Friday 30th June Bo’ness Hippodrome Captured acclaimed production featuring a Bo’ness Fair Day live at the National Theatre, a menagerie of 75 lovable puppets, Wednesday 21st June recorded performance of JM faithfully adapting four of Eric Barrie’s much-loved tale screens Carle’s stories. For tickets and Funbox present Highland Fling at Saturday 1st July in cinemas. For tickets visit www. information phone 01324 506850. macrobertartscentre.org and Alloa Town Hall Join in the family www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org fun with Anya Kevin Gary and Howie’s kids Club at The Friday 16th and Saturday Bozo the Dog. For tickets phone Howgate Centre - Minion Kippen Street Fayre Lots of new 17th June 01259 213131. Take Over Day To celebrate stalls, entertainment and fun for the release of Despicable Me 3 MamaBabaMe! At Macrobert Arts all the family, plus a dog show, Saturday 24th June come along for lots of Minion great raffle prizes and lots to see Centre Join us at the ringside of inspired fun and games. 12-3pm. and do. our mini arena for MamaBabaMe Free. For more details visit www. to witness this exciting new Meet the Animals at Newparks howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk Jupiter Wildlife Centre - Bioblitz! dance, theatre and live music Farm Walk Muiravonside Country Park Meet local experts and help us experience made especially for Come and join the find and record all the amazing infants and their grownups. www. stock keeper on a tour around wildlife we have at Jupiter. 10 am macrobertartscentre.org the farm and learn about the

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Little Stars Nursery in Alloa is moving to a brand new home and doubling the number of children we can care for later this year.

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15 15 FAMILY SHOWS @ Connect With Us: MacrobertArtsCentre @macrobert

For age 7+ Barrowland Ballet LITTLE RED Sat 13 May, 3.30pm Tickets: £8.50 / £30 Wee Group Saver

For ages 4 to 12 Children’s Classic Concerts TARTAN TALES Sat 28 May, 2.30pm Tickets: £10.50 / £6.50 Conc / £31 Family Saver (2 adults / 2 children)

Book tickets: 01786 466666 | www.macrobertartscentre.org