Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12 FREE Issue 31 Nov/Dec 2015

In this Issue • Where to find Santa • Christmas shows and events • Local Christmas gift guide

Xmas Markets

Sunday 1st November

Sunday 6th December

Victoria Halls, Dunblane. Falkirk’s new Opposite the Railway Station 11am - 4pm fantastic flavours! WIN a copy of Now serving fresh homemade soup, Free Entry Free Parking The Reiver Rat Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream www.artnmart.co.uk and Oor Wullie’s flavours every day from 10am until 5pm. Letter to Santa Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA - page 9 Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk

www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk [email protected] 079302 64979 Learn Happy. Award winning nursery

beaconhurstnursery.com

Contact Laura John Nursery Manager on 01786 832146 for more information, www.beaconhurstnursery.com Central Scotland’s really useful magazine for busy families of children age 0-12 FREE Issue 31 Nov/Dec 2015 Christmas is

In this Issue • Where to find Santa all wrapped up @ • Christmas shows and events • Local Christmas gift guide

Macrobert Arts Centre presents Welcome to the November/December issue of Families Central Scotland. This issue is packed with all things Christmas Falkirk’s new fantastic flavours! Now serving fresh homemade soup, Scottish stovies and innovative ice cream WIN a copy of and festive! We have a fabulous gift flavours every day from 10am until 5pm. The Reiver Rat Glen Farm Glen Village Falkirk FK1 3AA Tel. 01324 630703 www.themilkbarn.co.uk and Oor Wullie’s Letter to Santa - page 9 guide, where to find Santa page and great www.familiescentralscotland.co.uk [email protected] 079302 64979 local Christmas shows and events. Read our article on how to cope with coughs and sneezes, including some top tips on how to avoid them in the first place. All of A brand new panto this and our regular news and views, out and about and parent for all ages! to parent article. Fiona & Louise WED 25 NOV the editors - SUN 3 JAN In this issue Tickets from £9 Win a copy of Oor Wullie’s Letter to Santa and The Reiver Rat...... Page 9 contact us To advertise with us or have your event listed in our magazine email [email protected] Bookings are now being taken for the January/February issue – deadline for all ads and editorial 1st December

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.familiescentralscotland.co.uk Written by and starring Johnny McKnight

Macrobert Arts Centre presents a Frozen Charlotte and Aberdeen Performing Arts co-production Tue 1 - Sun 27 Dec contents (Not Mondays) Tickets from £9 Local news and views...... pages 4-5

Parent to parent...... page 6

Christmas gift guide...... page 8-9

Christmas shows and events...... page 10

Where to find Santa...... page 11

Coping with coughs and sneezes...... page 12

Out and about...... page 13-14

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 A new show for everyone aged 3 to 6 receive our media pack, detailing costs and sizes of adverts. (and their grown-ups)

Design - Lamb Designs Book Tickets: 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 01786 466 666 trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families www.macrobertartscentre.org 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. Beaconhurst celebrates with Christmas events Christmas memorial service Beaconhurst School in Bridge of Allan is opening its doors to the community with two festive events. The Christmas Fayre, organised by the PTA, takes place at the school on Saturday 28th November. All are welcome to come and enjoy some festive shopping with a variety of stalls selling gifts including jewellery, bags, scarfs and candles. There will also be a raffle, home-baking, refreshments and games for children. The Fayre takes place between 10am and 2pm in the Dining Hall. The following month, Beaconhurst hosts its annual Carol Concert performed by the School Choir at St Columba’s Church in Stirling. The Concert takes place on Thursday 10th December from 7-9pm with funds being raised for one of the local charities supported by the school. For more information about the two events and to buy tickets for the Carol Concert, please contact the School on 01786 832146. Beaconhurst is an independent school for girls and boys aged 3 -18 years, more information can be found on the website - www.beaconhurst.com Open Day! St Ninians Playgroup – 19th Nov 2015 all welcome A Christmas memorial service for families who have experienced the St. Ninians Playgroup, located in St Ninians Church Hall, is a community trauma of losing a baby is being based, early learning and childcare provider, in partnership with the Local held in Stirling. The service will Authority. We provide quality care and education to children aged 2½-5 take place in St Mary’s Church, years from all over Stirling through structured play and experiences Upper Bridge Street, FK8 1ES on (including weekly Enjoy-a-Ball) to help children develop and grow into Friday 4th December at 7.30pm. confident individuals. We are open 9am to 1.15pm, Monday, Tuesday, The Lights of Love event is being Thursday and Friday and are run by a parents committee in conjunction organised by Forth Valley Sands with a Lead Practitioner (BA) and two supporting Early Childhood Educators. We plan outcomes for the (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death children using the Curriculum for Excellence and create learning journals that the children keep detailing their charity) and provides parents the life at playgroup……..come and experience the fun for yourself! St Ninians Playgroup, St Ninians Old Parish opportunity to come together Church Hall, Kirk Wynd, Stirling. 07757 741073 and acknowledge the lives of their babies at this difficult time Run your own business of year. The Scottish Cot Death Trust will also be taking part in the service. The service consists of Want to run a successful business doing something highly traditional carols, inspiring readings enjoyable and emotionally rewarding whilst developing key skills and beautiful music and there will in children? Rugbytots has exciting franchise opportunities in also be an opportunity for people Perth for driven and ambitious people with a dream of owning to light a candle in memory of their own business. Rugbytots, Scotland’s first rugby specific play their child. Everyone is welcome programme for pre-school children, is designed to help children, to attend and no booking is aged between two to seven, develop core motor skills in a fun necessary. For more information and enjoyable environment. Starting in 2006, Rugbytots now or directions to the venue, please operates 31 successful franchises in 10 countries. Classes in visit www.forthvalleysands.org. Scotland take place in Stirling, Aberdeenshire, Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, Peebles-shire and the Scottish Borders. uk or contact Caroline on mail@ If you are interested in applying for a Rugbytots franchise please contact Kirsty McWilliam at kirsty@ forthvalleysands.org.uk or on rugbytots.com. For more information visit www.rugbytots.co.uk. 07762 790751. Christmas lights switch on near you

Stirling Town Centre - Sunday 15th November - Entertainment from 2pm with Santa parade through town switch on at 5pm Grangemouth Town Centre - Saturday 21st November - Family entertainment from 10am, switch on at 5pm Bo’ness Town Centre - Saturday 21st November - Family entertainment from 1pm, switch on at 4pm Bridge of Allan High Street - Saturday 21st November - Family entertainment from 2.30 and switch on at 5pm. Falkirk Town Centre - Sunday 22nd November - Entertainment from 3pm with family, fun and music. Switch on at 5pm Stenhousemuir Town Centre - Saturday 28th November - Family entertainment from 2pm switch on at 5pm Tel: 08453133252 | [email protected]

4 families central scotland / issue 31 Protect these little feet

Autumn is definitely here and Winter is not far away! Its time to think about protecting these little feet from the cold and wet, both indoors and out, at school and play. We have a wonderful collection at Ruby Ruby from Start-rite fleece lined wellies, to a huge range of Goretex lined short/long boots from Richter, Superfit, Geox, Petasil and Start-rite both in black, navy and beautiful autumn shades of Berry, Violet, Truffle and Green. Adorable cosy slippers and for the fast approaching party season - we have some gorgeous sparkly numbers from Lelli Kelly, which are well worth trying. We don’t think you will be disappointed at all. Look forward to seeing you soon. Ruby Ruby, 1 Main Street, Doune. Open 7 days a week Mon-Sat 9.30 to 5 and Sun 12 - 4.

Beyond the Bike Shop

If you’ve heard of Recyke- a-bike you probably know we recycle bikes to sell at affordable prices, but you might not know about our activities beyond the shop or that we’re a charity.We have funding from the Climate Challenge Fund for our project Cycling Links to help more people cycle more often by linking up cycle training with the fun of cycling; and linking up adult and children’s cycle training to help families cycle together. Our outreach team trains school children across the Forth Valley in Bikeability, engages adults at their work and the wider community at events. We have trained staff, a bike fleet including trailers, fun stuff like our portable pump track and route knowledge. If you’d like help cycling safely as a family or some know- how on maintaining your family’s bikes just get in touch about our free services. Recyke-a-bike, 18-24 Abbey Road, Riverside, Stirling, FK8 1LJ www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk, 01786 447 559, admin@recyke-a-bike.

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: [email protected]

Facebook: hartbeepsfalkirk Twitter: HartBeepsFalk

www.hartbeeps.com

5 parent to parent i my name is Garry Shaw, I am through Active Stirling have married to Karen and we have a been fantastic! Fraser is so H4-year-old son, Fraser. We have lived confident in the water and in Plean for the last 7 years. During the day has been swimming on his I am the Course Manager at Brucefields own, without armbands, for Family Golf Centre, and in the evenings, I run months now. my own Martial Arts School. It’s pretty hectic but TaeKwon-Do is a passion of mine, so it Favourite day out doesn’t feel like work! I teach a variety of Life is pretty busy, with classes, including Total Kids Defence (TKD) working a day job and then Tigers (age 3+), TaeKwon-Do (age 7 - adult), teaching 5 nights a week, so any time I get Mixed Kickboxing, Ladies only kickboxing to spend with Karen and Fraser is precious. / self defence (age 13+) and am available We like to go to Glasgow Science Centre, for 1:1 training if required. Feel free to as it’s so child friendly and interactive. No- get in touch if you’d like more information. one is telling the kids not to touch things Tel 077344 61615 Email garry@ – it’s actively encouraged! Fraser’s favourite shawmartialarts.co.uk www.shawmartialarts. area is the play area on the first floor, as he Funniest comment your kids co.uk Follow me on twitter and facebook gets to operate a crane! There’s plenty of have ever made activities to keep you entertained all day. Fraser age 3 years shouting on his mum Why you like living where you do “hen, pass me the monster munch” I like living in Plean as it has a real Favourite child friendly restaurant community feel to it. It’s a small village on We eat out regularly, and as such, Fraser’s Most loved children’s book the outskirts of Stirling, so gives you the been going to restaurants since he was Tyrannosaurus Drip by Julia Donaldson. convenience of being close to town but about a week old. We don’t always stick All of her books are fantastic, we love the the quietness of the countryside. And it’s to your usual ‘child friendly’ restaurants – rhyming in them and the illustrations are close to both my day job and my martial Fraser’s favourite is The Cotton House at great. arts classes in Larbert and Falkirk! The estate Longcroft, as there’s a huge tropical fish tank where I live has lots of families with children and because 2 of the waitresses (Sheryl Most played with toys and the local school is only a 5 min walk and Ann) make such a fuss of him! He also Lego! A timeless classic. We love the away at the other end of the village. loves the macaroni cheese from The Falcon Bricks4Kidz classes. at St Ninians. Favourite shop Biggest waste of money Alex Graham Bakers in Plean – their Best planet saving tip Kids magazines – you’re only paying for the morning rolls are amazing! And Fraser likes Recycle what you can, when you can. cheap plastic toys that come with them the slush puppies! Use furniture recycling charity shops, nowadays. like Strathcarron Furniture Shop in Favourite park Stenhousemuir – you’re helping to raise Gary’s Local Recommendations Causewayhead Park. There’s plenty of room funds for a worthwhile cause, as well as for the kids to play and run around, with saving landfill space. Causewayhead Park a variety of equipment. And you can go Corrieri’s, Causewayhead for an ice-cream at Corrieri’s before home No parent should be without time! Patience, a sense of humour, eyes in the Alex Graham Bakers, Plean back of your head and…baby wipes! Glasgow Science Centre Favourite children’s club The Cotton House, Longcroft TKD Tigers! It’s great to see the kids Parenting pet hates developing the skills we teach and grow in When parents think that their kids can do The Falcon, St Ninians confidence. Watching the children move no wrong. Also, when parents molly coddle Bricks4Kidz classes up into Taekwon-Do and through the their kids and don’t give them space to coloured belts is really rewarding. I also have grow. Last one is, parents getting vocal while Brucefields Family Golf Centre, Stirling to say that the swimming lessons booked I’m teaching their children!

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6 families central scotland / issue 31 Enjoy the magnificent scenery and all the festivities of the winter season onboard the Steamship Sir Walter Scott as it sets off on its Home of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott journey across the winter wonderland of Loch Katrine.

Join our popular “Sail with Santa” cruise on the iconic Steamship Sir Walter Scott. On this hour long sail Santa and his helpers will spend time with each child and give them a wrapped up gift. Our price includes a glass of mulled wine for the Thanks to funding from the Climate Challenge adults and local Christmas fayre. Fund our Cycling Links project is making it easier Saturday & Sundays 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 19th & 20th December 2015 for families to cycle safely together for transport, Cruises depart from Trossachs Pier at 1pm and 2.30pm health and most importantly fun. Free services include:

Cycle training for all ages Join our popular one hour New Year Celebration Party Family friendly led rides Cruise, aboard The Steamship Sir Walter Scott, and in addition to enjoying the magical scenery of Loch Katrine Family fun days and cycle events and The Trossachs, we invite you to join us in a Bike doctor safety checks complimentary toast to the Auld and New Year with traditional, locally produced black-bun and shortbread. Bike maintenance classes www.recyke-a-bike.co.uk

18 - 24 Abbey Road, Riverside, Stirling FK8 1LJ Sunday 28th to Wednesday 30th December & Friday 1st, t: 01786 447 559 Saturday 2nd & Sunday 3rd January 2016 e: [email protected] Cruises depart from Trossachs Pier at 1pm and 2.30pm

Scottish Charity No: SC036713 Scottish Company No: SC287632 Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, by Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: [email protected] www. lochkatrine.com

The largest and still the best network of performing arts schools in the world. Arnhall Nursery is a private day Nurturing and developing young nursery that provides high quality people’s potential through dance, childcare from birth up to 5 years drama and singing. for 4-18 year olds, after school, at • Graded Excellent in 7 areas by SCSWIS weekends and holiday workshops. 2014 For a prospectus, call • Set in beautiful surroundings near Stagecoach Stirling now on: 0131 337 7774 Dunblane with ample parking or email: • Open all year round from 7.30am to [email protected] 6.30pm • All meals included - home cooked by our STAGECOACH STIRLING in-house chef ENROLLING NOW FOR • Fully qualifed & trained staff JANUARY 2016 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 Christmas gift guide Christmas magic starts at Toy Hub At Toy Hub we want 2015 to be the most magical Christmas ever! We offer hassle free shopping where you can Ring & Reserve toys, buy online with our free Click & Collect Service, or visit our award winning store to experience our magical service. Sign up to our loyalty card to receive points every time you spend and take advantage of our Save & Store service. You can reserve gifts with a small deposit and gradually pay off the balance as Christmas approaches. You’ll also receive invites to our special adults only “Shhh...Secret Shopping” evenings, where the festive fizz flows while you shop in a relaxed atmosphere! Top toys & games Top stocking fillers

• The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition £27.95 • Funko Pop Characters £12 each or 2 for £20 • The Irish Fairy Door Company Limited Edition Winter • Shopkins Twin Pack £2.50 Fairy Door £20.00 • Pizza Party Dice Game £6 • LEGO Star Wars 75105 Millenium Falcon £130 • Keel Christmas Bobballs (Assorted Designs) £2.50 • Cloud B Twilight Turtle £25 each • Disney Descendants Mal & Evie Dolls £20 • Usborne Christmas Pocket Doodling & Colouring Book • BB-8 3D Deco Light £40 £5.99 • Nerf Modulus & Upgrade Packs from £18 • Brainstorm Projector Torch (Shark/Dinosaur/Space/ • LEGO Friends 41107 Pop Star Limo £20 Animals) £5 each • Bright Eyes Pets £20 • Ha Ha Tache Game £4 • Tenzi £12.00 • Star Wars Micro Machine Vehicles £2.50

Shop in our Dunblane High Street Store 7 days a week throughout November & December or 24/7 on our website www.toyhubdirect.co.uk Keep up to date with us on Social Media at www.facebook.com/toyhubdirect or www.twitter.com/ toyhubdirect Toy Hub 7 High Street, Dunblane

Special Christmas treats for babies and toddlers at All Things Baby, Stirling Pram Christmas is coming and we have some fantastic new treats this year for mummy, baby and toddler - we are super excited! As the largest independent nursery store in the area we love to source beautiful products for your little ones and Christmas time is no exception. We are more than a pram shop with an interiors department and gift and toy shop we are a shopping treat for babies and toddlers.

Our favourite five for Christmas: • Something that little bit different • Silver Cross dolls pram, the forever gift. All that glitters is our wooden toy ranges. From this year’s new edition is the Cupcake – stunning in rockets to pianos we have pink! (Prices start from £300) everything your little one could wish • Rocking horses, from little toddler horses that neigh for! (Prices from £10) to the stunning collection from MJ Marks. (Prices start • My first Christmas stocking fillers, from £50) no need to travel to Glasgow for • Sophie la giraffe, the most gorgeous baby range of your mamas and papas delights we have the full range wooden toys and jigsaws, dressing up outfits, music here in Stirling. From Santa stockings, snowglobes and boxes, luxury bath products, the list is endless! (Prices Christmas baubles to little gift baskets of romper suits start from £5) and Christmas soft toys. (Prices start from £5)

Stirling Pram is - All Things Baby - so come and visit us this Christmas for something different to pop under the Christmas tree or even on it! We are open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm, down by the Riverside in Stirling xx 42-44 Forth Street, Riverside, Stirling, FK8 1UF www.stirlingpramcentre.co.uk 01786 472392, facebook Stirling Pram - All Things Baby

8 families central scotland / issue 31 Christmas gift guide The art of family photography Looking for an inspired present idea? How about a Lighthouse S O F T P L A Y Studios Photography voucher? • Softplay up to 6 yrs Everybody knows that life FREE whizzes past so why not capture • 0 -18 mths ENTRY some moments together; activity area ] whether it’s a voucher for • Cafe serving the whole family to be in the homebaking photographs, or just the kids, it’s a present that will be cherished • Delicious meals for years to come. • Mon - Fri 9 till 5 Maybe your whole family is getting together for Christmas or • raphasoftplaycafe.com another occasion this year (we often take large group photos of • Facebook/raphasoftplay over 20 people), or you know someone who is going to have a baby next year - a voucher is an ideal gift. Lighthouse make the whole experience fun and relaxed to capture people’s personality in Rapha Centre the images. B827 Road to Comrie, Braco FK15 9LL

Vouchers start at £80 for a photo shoot and print and are valid for 01786 880915 a year – a gift that’s guaranteed to bring a smile to your loved one’s face and put family art on the wall. Lighthouse Studios, Alloa Road, Causewayhead Tel 01786 475 007 Is Santa bringing a bike for your little one this year? Recyke-a-bike’s top tip: don’t leave it until Christmas Eve to take it out of the box and build it, just in case you need help, all the bike shops will be closed. Make sure you put the front forks on the right way round, if the brakes don’t work you’ve probably put the forks on back to front – a common mistake. Merry Christmas and happy pedalling! Recyke-a-bike, 18-24 Abbey Road, Riverside, Stirling, FK8 1LJ Great books for Christmas Oor Wullie’s Letter to Santa - Just like millions of children around the world, each Christmas Oor Wullie sits down and writes a letter to Santa. This year, his letter is a little bit special because Oor Wullie has written a poem to Santa and is sharing it with his legions of fans. Full of humour and fun and set out in a new format with beautiful new illustrations. Will Santa deliver a present to Oor Wullie this Christmas? And how will he reply to Wullie’s heartfelt poem? With a poem of his own, of course!

The Reiver Rat (The Highway Rat in Scots) - Life is not safe for the other animals, as the villainous Highway Rat gallops along the highway, stealing their food – he even steals his own horse’s hay. Will he finally meet his comeuppance, in the form of a cunning duck? A fabulous, rollicking rhyme, in the style of the famous Alfred Noyes poem, The Highwayman, from the authors of The Gruffalo and Zog.

To WIN a copy of Oor Wullie’s Letter to Santa and The Reiver Rat simply answer the following question. What does Wullie write to Santa? (a) a note (b) a poem (c) a book email your answer to [email protected] – closing date November 30th xmas shows & events Sunday 1st November and Sunday Saturday 28th November to Friday 4th to Saturday 12th 6th December Wednesday 24th December December The Xmas Markets at Dunblane Victorian Christmas Kitchen at Falkirk Youth Theatre presents Victoria Halls will feature exhibitors Callendar House The Georgian Robin Hood at Falkirk Town Hall selling crafts, art work and tasty treats. Kitchen will be transformed into the Join Robin and his merry crew, along with There will be 30 exhibitors with a varied Victorian Christmas Kitchen where you Maid Marion and the rest of the gang range of products so you can find that can help Cook stir the Christmas pudding; in song, laughter and adventure. Phone perfect gift for Christmas. The venue will sample popular dishes from the period 01324 506850 for tickets. also host the A’n’ M Community Cafe including mince pies, shortbread, Scotch offering tea, coffee, soup, sandwiches and Christmas bun, and cloutie dumpling; Tuesday 8th to Saturday 12th baking. www.artnmart.com and find out how the Victorians would December celebrate in a home like Callendar House. Sunday 22nd November On Saturdays throughout December the The Dunblane Centre present Kitchen will be filled with the smells of Aladdin Family fun with traditional panto Falkirk’s Frozen Light Switch On traditional slow roast turkey. Pop in during entertainment Phone 01786 824224 for High Street, Falkirk the afternoon and you might be right on tickets. Entertainment from 12 noon with two time to try a piece! Free sing along a Frozen film showings, a Wednesday 9th to Saturday 12th performance from Broadway School of Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th December Performing Arts, The Big Bad Wolf Theatre November Company, songs with Elsa and a grand Spotlight Youth Theatre present finale from Soul Nation Choir. Lights Edenmill’s Food Festival/Family Snow White and the Seven Switch on at 5pm. www.falkirkdelivers. Day Out Come and join us for a Dwarfs at Alloa Town Hall Family com weekend of festivities and merriment. fun with traditional panto entertainment Discover fabulous gift ideas, delicious Phone 01259 573182 for tickets. festive food and great local produce. Wednesday 25th November to Children can enjoy festive face painting, Sunday 3rd January ( ex public Thursday 10th December holidays and Mondays) meet our friendly farm animals, reindeer and see Santa in his grotto! Free mulled Beaconhurst School annual Carol The Little Mermaid at Macrobert wine on arrival. www.edenmill.co.uk Concert 10am - 5pm Adult £4, Children £2 over performed by the School Arts Centre, Stirling A brand new Choir at St Columba’s Church in Stirling. panto written, directed and starring 3 yrs. £10 for a family (2 adults & 2 children) 7-9pm. Funds will be raised for one of the Johnny McKnight. Millions of miles local charities supported by Beaconhurst. underwater of Stirling Stella there lies a Contact the School on 01786 832146 perfect world - Oceania. Down there Saturday 28th November, 5th, 12th for tickets or more information. www. there’s no violence, no gaudy colours, and 19th December beaconhurst.com there’s not even a whiff of Celebrity Big Brother. Ariel’s madly in love with the Festive Fun in Alloa There will be, most feared and handsome pirate in all festive, family fun in Alloa Town Centre Saturday 12th December the pantosphere – Captain Spark Barrel. on Saturdays in the run up to Christmas. Lantern Workshop at Jupiter But could he ever love a woman who Santa will be in his grotto from 10-2.30pm Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth was, well, a fish? That’s right A FISH. Dare and there will be children’s entertainment. Ariel strike a deal with the mighty sea On the 12th December come along and Drop in anytime between 11 and 2pm witch Ursula? Will true love win out? An see Santa and his reindeers parade down to make yourself an amazing willow underwater pirate tail that’ll give you the the High Street in his sleigh. Visit www. lantern. If the weather is good, why not oper-tuna-ity to tap your toes, sing your atcbid.com for more information. come back at 4pm for a lantern lit parade. heart out and boo and hiss this Christmas. This event is suitable for children aged For tickets phone 01786 466666 or between 5 and 10. Booking essential, Tuesday 1st to Sunday 27th book online at www.macrobert.org contact the Ranger on jupiterranger@ December (ex public holidays and scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk Mondays) Saturday 28th November Robin at Macrobert Arts Centre, Sunday 13th December PTA Christmas Fayre at Stirling From the makers of Too Beaconhurst School, Bridge of Many Penguins? comes a new show for Family Festive Fun Day in Bridge of Allan Allan All are welcome to come along everyone aged 3 to 6 and their grown- Soak up the Christmassy and enjoy the festive fun with a variety ups. This Christmas, Robin (not so reliant) atmosphere at our mini Christmas market of stalls plus games for children. The will be getting his feathers in a twist, and vintage fairground. With carolers, hot but Macrobert Arts Centre guarantees chocolates and lots and lots of festive Fayre takes place in the school’s Dining 12-4pm. Hall and is open to the local community. first class fun and seasonal cheer will cheer. Visitors can enjoy some Christmas be delivered (and on time!). For tickets shopping with stalls selling gifts such as phone 01786 466666 or book online at Wednesday 16th and Thursday jewellery, bags, scarfs and candles. There www.macrobert.org 17th December will also be a raffle, tombola, homebaking and refreshments. 10am-2pm. www. Cinema at Macrobert Arts beaconhurst.com Centre showing Royal Opera House: The Nutcracker For tickets phone 01786 466666 or book online at www. macrobert.org

10 families central scotland / issue 31 Where to find Santa

Santa and his Aviemore Falkirk Round Table Festive Cruises at Loch Reindeer in and around Santa and his sleigh will be visiting a Katrine Falkirk street near you courtesy of the Falkirk Join our popular one hour ‘Sail with Round Table. Santa’s helpers will be Santa and his Reindeer will be arriving Santa’ cruise on the ‘Sir Walter Scott’ collecting money for local charities. in a town near you. Bring your letter every Saturday and Sunday 5th, 6th, The visits are generally between for Santa and join in the festivities 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th December 2015 6.30-9pm but please check www. in Bo’ness, Grangemouth, Denny, at 1pm and 2.30pm. Children can falkirkroundtable.co.uk for up to date Stenhousemuir and Falkirk. There will be visit Santa in his Grotto and receive details and follow Santa’s travels around ‘Frozen’ fun, music including local choirs/ a wrapped up gift. Adults get a Falkirk and surrounding areas. Sunday bands, the Big Bad Wolf Company, complimentary glass of mulled wine and 6th to Monday 21st. Q20 Theatre and family entertainment local Christmas fayre. Call our booking including face painting and balloon office for more details on 01877 modelling. 376315/6.

Bo’ness - Saturday 21st November. Stirling Town Centre and Following a short parade into the towns The Thistles Shopping Santa in Alloa Market Square at 2pm the reindeer Centre Santa will be in his grotto in Alloa Town will be penned there until 4pm. Lights See Santa and his reindeer parade Centre on Saturday 28th November switch on at 4pm. There will be a Craft through town on Sunday 15th 5th, 12th and 19th December. 10- market from 10-4pm. November. The parade starts at 2pm 2.30pm. Come along and meet Santa in from the Albert Halls going down King his sleigh. Tickets cost £5 per child and Grangemouth - Saturday 21st Street and ends with the opening of each child will receive a quality gift from November 10-12 noon. Santa parade Santa’s Shortbread House within The Santa. Parents are more than welcome through La Porte Precinct then the Thistles Shopping Centre. The reindeer to take photos of their own children reindeer will be penned near the will then be outside The Thistles until with Santa. There will be a special bandstand until 12pm. Craft market 10 4pm, so don’t forget your camera! parade with the Cairngorm reindeers til 4pm. Lights switch on at 5pm. Santa will be in his Shortbread House on the 12th. www.atcbid.com (near HMV) on 15th, 21st/22nd and Denny - Saturday 28th November. 28th/29th November and every day in Santa parade through the town at 10am December until 24th December. For Santa at Rapha Soft Play then the reindeer will be penned until details visit www.thethistles.com Christmas is nearly upon us and that 12pm. means a visit to Rapha Soft Play Cafe from none other than Santa Claus. So Stenhousemuir - Saturday 28th Gartmorn Dam near Alloa stay tuned to our Facebook and in our November. Santa parade through the I’m an Elf Get Me Out of Here at cafe for more info about our Santa day town at 2pm then the reindeer will be Gartmorn Dam! Santa’s elves are hiding menu and how the kids can get to meet penned until 4pm. Lights switch on at out in the woods. All you need to do the man himself and receive a wee early 5pm. is find them. Special treats and crafty pressie. We hope to see you all soon. things await all those who track them www.facebook.com/raphasoftplay Falkirk Town Centre - Sunday 12th down. 1.30-3.30pm. For information December. Santa and his reindeer will phone 01259 213131. be by the Steeple from 2-4pm. Santa at The Howgate Shopping Centre Visit Santa at the Howgate this Christmas and Brunch/Afternoon Tea with meet his reindeers in our festive display. Edenmill Christmas Trees at Santa at Callendar House Located outside Debenhams, visit Santa Stirling Rugby Club All the family are invited to Callendar for free on the following dates: 28th & Edenmill will be selling their local, fresh House to join Mrs Clause in a unique 29th November, 3rd-6th December, Christmas trees from 1st December Christmas experience. Delicious 10th-13th December and 17th-24th at Stirling Rugby Club and will have a brunch/ tea platters will be served to December. Donations are welcome in special visit from Santa and his reindeer all the family. Sit back and relax as Mrs aid of Strathcarron Hospice. For more on 6th and 13th December. Buy a Clause recruits the young helpers into information and opening times visit tree and see Santa for FREE! www. a magical band of merry elves and www.intohowgate.co.uk edenchristmastrees.co.uk leads them through festive activities, Christmas stories and songs. And if we’re lucky Santa will join us for a Discover Dunblane charming end to the day with a lovely Christmas Extravaganza Christmas gift for each child. Tickets On Thursday 26th November, Santa and booking via the Steeple Box and his reindeer will parade down Office, High Street, Falkirk 01324 Dunblane High Street at 3:30; Santa 506850. Available on Saturday 5th, 12th will be in his grotto for the rest of the 19th, Wednesday 23rd and Thursday evening. There will also be live music, 24th December at 11.30am and face painting, balloon modelling and at 2.30pm. 8pm fireworks!!

11 coughs and sneezes Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System How to cope with winter woes Do you feel like the whole family is constantly ill and as one illness goes, another one comes here are over For a slight fever, use infant paracetamol along? Try these natural methods to boost your 200 cold or ibuprofen; read the instructions and family’s immune system. Tviruses, so use the right amount for your child’s age. it’s no wonder our Never use a cough and cold remedy with Get enough sleep children seem to children under six years old. come down with a Sounds obvious but the body repairs itself while cold almost every five Make sure that your child continues to we sleep. So make sure kids get plenty of rest minutes. get plenty of fluids but try to avoid lots of when they are ill. sugary drinks and cordials, as you’ll have No smoke We don’t know tooth decay to cope with later on! Passive smoking can make coughs, asthma and what causes the chest infections worse. It makes kids prone to ‘Common Cold’ but If your child is under three months, check bronchitis and pneumonia and they can also get the symptoms are symptoms with your doctor, as small middle ear infections. If you haven’t stopped yet, runny nose, sore throat, children can become very ill quickly. If your do it now! temperature and a general feeling of poor child is floppy and unresponsive or very Eat a rainbow health. When do you let nature run its fussy, call the doctor or go straight to the course, and when do you call the doctor? hospital. Different coloured foods offer different vitamins and minerals, so try to make sure that you offer a For very small children, a blocked nose Seek medical advice if you think it’s not a rainbow of fruit and veg each day. stops him being able to breath and can cold. Flu can be serious in young children. Supplements interfere with breastfeeding. Clear nostrils Croup, a viral illness that causes a bark-like If you find it difficult to get the kids to eat enough with a soft cloth soaked in sterile saline cough can be swiftly treated with steroids, fruit and veg, make sure they get a good vitamin solution or use a nasal aspirator. and whooping cough, a bacterial infection, supplement that is appropriate to their age. needs antibiotics If you are concerned that In the sun Relieve symptoms with a decongestant your child may have meningitis, you must The sun’s rays cause our bodies to make vitamin rub or use a few drops of a decongestant go to the hospital at once. If in doubt, get D, so get them out as much as possible. Even if spray or eucalyptus oil on a tissue near to A&E – the staff will be only too happy your baby as he sleeps. A vaporiser or to be able to set your mind at rest. the sun’s weak, it’s working! humidifier can help too. Foods that boost the system If you have any concerns please contact Certain foods are proven to help with immunity. Sleep may be affected by a cough, so your GP or call NHS 24 - 111 Ginseng is good for fighting infections and encourage naps during the day. Echinacea can help protect from colds.

Forth Valley Family Support Service Are you worried about another person’s alcohol or drug use?

Contact us. We’re here to help! Confidential Helpline: 08080 10 10 11 Email: [email protected] We can also help if you are worried about your own alcohol/ drug use. For free and confidential advice please contact Signpost Recovery on: 0845 673 1774 out & about the Ranger on jupiterranger@ Spectre (12A) Saturday 31st October and children age 12+ can take part Bo’ness scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk in main race. www.muckmedden. Hippodrome, various times. Antboy 2 : Revenge of the Red co.uk Fireworks and Bonfire Display at Fury Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am. Hopetoun House Saturday 28th November Sunday 22nd November Witchy Woods at Gartmorn Christmas Lights Switch on at Dam Join in the spooky fun in the Monday 9th November Falkirk’s Frozen Light Switch Stenhousemuir woods. 1-3pm. For information On Entertainment from 12 noon phone 01259 213131. Toddling O’clock at Callendar with two sing along a Frozen film PTA Christmas Fayre at House Sensory, drama, music showings, a performance from Beaconhurst School, Bridge of Allan Saturday 31st and Sunday and play for early years to keep Broadway School of Performing All are welcome to come 1st November boredom at bay! This week the Arts, The Big Bad Wolf Theatre along and enjoy the festive fun theme is Bonnie Scotland. Suitable Company, songs with Elsa and a with a variety of stalls plus games Steam ‘n’ Scream Hallowe’en for ages 2-5. £3.50 per child. Phone grand finale from Soul Nation for children. The Fayre takes place Weekend at the Bo’ness and 01324 506850 for tickets and Choir. Lights Switch on at 5pm. in the school’s dining hall and is information. Kinneil Railway Come for some open to the local community. Visitors can enjoy some Christmas Halloween fun on the train! Tuesday 24th to Saturday shopping with stalls selling gifts Halloween treats, a fancy dress Saturday 14th November 28th November competition and other spooky fun. Come in fancy dress or else! www. Hotel Transylvania 2 Bo’ness Larbert Amateur Operatic bkrailway.co.uk Hippodrome 11am and Autism Society Presents Sleeping Beauty friendly screening at 2.30pm. at the Dobbie Hall Larbert Tickets Toy Story 3 Macrobert 11am. available via the Steeple Box office or phone 07808 033906 Sunday 15th November Sunday 1st November Christmas Craft Fair at The Wednesday 25th Art ‘n’ Mart Community Market Dunblane Centre Get your November to Sunday in the Victoria Halls Dunblane Christmas shopping off to a great 3rd Jan ( ex Mondays and Features around 30 exhibitors start this year with our Christmas public holidays) selling local crafts, art work and Craft Fair. With around 60 different food products. www.artnmart. stalls there is so much choice to Macrobert Arts Centre’s Present co.uk find that extra special Christmas the Little Mermaid Written, gift while supporting a local charity. directed and starring Johnny Monday 2nd November There will be soft play from 1pm McKnight. An underwater pirate and the chance to visit Santa in his tail (GET IT - tail instead of tale? Toddling O’clock at Callendar grotto. 11-4pm. Oh forget it) that’ll give you the House Sensory, drama, music oper-tuna-ity to tap your toes, Christmas Lights Switch on in and play for early years to keep sing your heart out and boo Stirling www. boredom at bay! This week the and hiss this Christmas. macrobert.org theme is Fire Fighting Friends. Suitable for ages 2-5. £3.50 per Monday 16th November child. Phone 01324 506850 for Thursday 26th November tickets and information. Toddling O’clock at Callendar House Sensory, drama, music Santa in Dunblane Santa and Thursday 5th November and play for early years to keep his reindeer will parade down boredom at bay! This week the Dunblane High Street at 3:30; Fireworks and Bonfire Displays at theme is Pantoland. Suitable for Santa will be in his grotto for the West End Park, Alloa ages 2-5. £3.50 per child. Phone rest of the evening. There will 01324 506850 for tickets and also be live music, face painting, Fireworks and Bonfire Displays at information. balloon modelling and at 8pm Strathallan Park, Bridge of Allan fireworks!! Friday 20th November Fireworks and Bonfire Displays at Friday 27th November Callendar Park, Falkirk Bannockburn Primary School PTA Winter Fayre Lots of local stalls The Beaconhurst Duathlon Saturday 7th November selling a variety of gifts and fun (running and cycling race) for activities for the children. 6-8pm. youngsters aged 8 and above Howies Kids Club at the takes place at Stirling University from 9am. The competition will Howgate Shopping Centre Join Saturday 21st November Uncle Billy for magic, puppets and be followed by prize-giving at the For more information, family fun. FREE. Community Hub Shorts for Middle Ones (U) school. 11-3pm. contact the school on 01786 Bo’ness Hippodrome 11am. 832146. www.beaconhurst.com Shorts for Wee Ones (U) Bo’ness Christmas Lights Switch on at Beaconhurst School presents an Hippodrome 11am. Bridge of Allan Expressive Arts Evening featuring Super Shelters at Jupiter Christmas Lights Switch on at Scenes from Musicals 7-9pm in Contact the Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Grangemouth the Cameron Hall. school for more information. Here is your chance to make www.beaconhurst.com some snug winter shelters in Christmas Lights Switch on at the woods. We’ll round off the Bo’ness afternoon with some stories Friday 27th November to around the campfire. Suitable Falkirk Funduro at Callendar Thursday 3rd December for children aged between 5 and Estates Mountain Biking race with (ex Mon and Tues) 10. Booking essential, contact mini stages suitable for ages 6-11 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. scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk such as jewellery, bags, scarfs Tuesday 1st to Sunday busy world of Stirling Castle’s royal and candles. There will also be a 27th December (ex court this Christmas. raffle, tombola, home baking and 10am-2pm. www. Mondays and Public Crafty Christmas Creations Sunday 13th December refreshments. Holidays) beaconhurst.com Family Event at Hopetoun House Christmas Festivities Day in Macrobert Arts Centre Present Bridge of Allan Come and see Arthur Christmas (U) Bo’ness Robin From the makers of Too I’m an Elf Get Me Out of Here at Gartmorn Dam Santa and his reindeer and pop Hippodrome 11am. Many Penguins? comes a new Santa’s elves are into local shops to find those show for everyone aged 3 to 6 & hiding out in the woods. All you Festive Fun in Dunblane unique Christmas gifts. Festive their grown-ups. This Christmas, need to do is find them. Special Fiver campaign throughout the Robin (not so reliant) will be treats and crafty things await all Sunday 13th to Sunday town where businesses will have getting his feathers in a twist, but those who track them down. 1.30-3.30pm. For information 27th December (ex special offers all at just £5. we guarantee first class fun and phone 01259 213131. Tuesdays and public seasonal cheer will be delivered hols) Saturday 28th and (on time)! www.macrobert.org Sunday 29th November Tuesday 8th to Saturday Cinderella at Mugdock Country Friday 4th December 12th December Park Glass slippers, bells at Edenmill’s Food Festival/Family midnight, ball gowns, carriages and Day Out Come and join us Christmas Memorial Service The Dunblane Centre presents lots of colourful characters insure Aladdin for a weekend of festivities and organsied by Forth Valley Sands 7.30pm with a 2pm that Fizzgig’s hilarious, family Panto merriment. Discover fabulous gift matinee on Saturday afternoon. will be its usual mix of madness 7.30pm St Marys Church Tickets available from The ideas, delicious festive food and Upper Bridge Street. For more and mayhem! Come along to great local produce. Children can information contact Caroline Dunblane Centre. hiss, boo, sing and have a right old enjoy festive face painting, meet on 07948 562321 or www. Fizzgiggle. www.mugdock-country- our friendly farm animals, reindeer forthvalleysands.org.uk Wednesday 9th to park.org.uk Free and see Santa in his grotto! Saturday 12th December mulled wine on arrival. www. Wednesday 16th and edenmill.co.uk 10am - 5pm Friday 4th to Saturday Spotlight Youth Theatre present Thursday 17th December 12th December Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Alloa Town Hall Saturday 28th November Falkirk Youth Theatre presents Cinema at Macrobert Arts Centre to Wednesday 24th Robin Hood at Falkirk Town Hall Family fun with traditional panto showing Royal Opera House: Phone 01259 December entertainment The Nutcracker Christmas simply Join Robin and his merry crew, 573182 for tickets. along with Maid Marion and the wouldn’t be Christmas without The Victorian Christmas Kitchen at rest of the gang in song, laughter Royal Ballet’s classic production of Callendar House The Georgian and adventure. Phone 01324 Thursday 10th December The Nutcracker, and you can see Kitchen will be transformed into 506850 for tickets. it on the big screen at Macrobert the Victorian Christmas Kitchen Beaconhurst School Annual Carol Arts Centre’s Filmhouse. For where you can help Cook stir Concert performed by the School tickets phone 01786 466666 or Saturday 5th December the Christmas pudding; sample Choir at St Columba’s Church book online at www.macrobert. popular dishes and find out how org Willow Weaving at Muiravonside in Stirling. 7-9pm. Funds will be the Victorians would celebrate in raised for one of the local charities a home like Callendar House. On Country Park Come and weave supported by Beaconhurst. Friday 18th December Saturdays throughout December some willow to make a decoration Contact the School on 01786 the Kitchen will be filled with the to take home ready for Christmas. 832146 for tickets or more Christmas Choir Concert at The smells of traditional slow roast Booking is essential, phone 01324 information. www.beaconhurst. Dunblane Centre Tickets turkey. Pop in during the afternoon 506850. 7.30pm. com available from The Dunblane and you might be right on time to Centre. try a piece! Free Bridge of Allan Primary School Christmas Fair Santa’s grotto Saturday 12th December will be one of the highlights of Friday 18th, Sunday Saturday 28th November, Santa in Alloa Santa and his the fair which takes place at the 20th and Thursday 24th 5th, 12th, and 19th reindeer will be in Alloa Town school. 10am-12 noon. Everyone December December is welcome to come along for Centre on Saturday 12th some festive fun including a December from 10-4pm. Come It’s a Wonderful life (U) Festive Fun in Alloa There will Bo’ness fantastic raffle, tombola, toy, book along and see Santa parade down Hippodrome various times. be free, festive, family fun in Alloa and gift stalls, home baking and the High Street in his sleigh. www. Town Centre on Saturdays in competitions. atcbid.com the run up to Christmas. Santa Monday 28th and will be in his grotto from 10- Pan (PG) Bo’ness Hippodrome Christmas Craft Session at Tuesday 29th December 4pm and there will be children’s 11am. Bonnybridge Library Come Visit www.atcbid. entertainment. along to our fun, free and friendly Funbox presents Santa’s com for more information. Howies Kids Club Free kids Christmas craft session for 5 – 12 Sleepover Show at the Albert entertainment at The Howgate year olds where we get creative Halls Phone 01786 473544 for tickets. Saturday 28th and Shopping Centre. see www. and crafty. FREE Phone 01324 Sunday 29th November, intohowgate.co.uk 503295 for information. 5th and 6th, 12th and Monday 28th December Lantern Workshop at Jupiter 13th, 19th and 20th Sunday 6th December to Sunday 3rd January December Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth Drop in anytime between 11 New Year Cruises at Loch Katrine Art ‘n’ Mart Community Market Santa Train at Bo’ness Steam and 2pm to make yourself an in the Victoria Halls Dunblane Celebrate New Year with a one Railway amazing willow lantern. If the Santa travels by steam Features around 30 exhibitors hour New Year Celebration Party weather is good, why not come train, giving a gift to each of the selling local crafts, art work and Cruise onboard the ‘Sir Walter www.bkrailway. back at 4pm for a lantern lit young passengers. food products . www.artnmart. Scott’. Live music, complimentary co.uk co.uk parade. This event is suitable for dram, and locally produced black children aged between 5 and bun and shortbread. Cruises Booking essential, contact A Midwinter Feast at Stirling 10. depart at 1pm and 2.30pm. Call the Ranger on jupiterranger@ 01877 376315/6 for information. Castle Step into the festive and

14 families central scotland / issue 31 Falkirk switch on families ad_Layout 1 05/10/2015 16:51 Page 1

22ND NOV 1 PM TO 5PM THE STEEPLE IN THE HIGH STREET 12TH DEC SANTA &

WITH THE FROZEN SNOW QUEEN AND LIVE MUSIC FROM REINDEER PARADE Watch the sensational Come Aviemore Reindeer walk up You are cordially invited to along and the High Street at 2pm from join Provost Pat Reid for the the bandstand to Lint Riggs join in the and they will be penned in annual switching on of the festive the High Street until 4pm. Falkirk town centre festive fun Featuring a Christmas illuminations. Craft Market.

GRANGEMOUTH DENNY CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND TOWN CENTRE AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT CHRISTMAS REINDEER EVENT SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER 10AM – 12 NOON • Reindeer in town 10am • Craft Market starts 12 noon • Aviemore Reindeer in town • Light Switch On at 5.00pm at 10am - 12 noon • Featuring Q20 Theatre • Q20 Theatre performing performing Frozen songs from Frozen BO’NESS STENHOUSEMUIR CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND CHRISTMAS SWITCH ON AND AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT AVIEMORE REINDEER EVENT SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER • Craft Market starts 12.00 noon • Craft Market starts 12 noon • Reindeer in town 2pm • Reindeer in town 2.00pm • Light Switch On at 4.00pm • Light Switch On at 5.00pm • Featuring Q20 Theatre • Featuring Q20 Theatre performing Frozen performing Frozen

For further information please visit falkirkdelivers.com facebook.com/falkirkdelivers twitter.com/FalkirkDelivers