Free ®
ISSUE 75 November/ December 2012
Scottish Charity Number - SC020862
CHRISTMAS FAIR Sunday 25th November
Meadowbank Sports Centre 11am - 4pm Admission £1 Adults, Children enter free
Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult WE WILL BE JOINED BY LOTS OF YOUR FAVOURITE CHILDREN’S CHARACTERS
AND SANTA AND HIS ELVES WILL BE THERE TO MEET YOU Check out our facebook page for updates on events www.facebook.com/Edinburghsickkids Or for more info go to www.edinburghsickkids or call 0131 668 4949
Dance classes for healthy, happy bodies and minds breakdancing hip hop ■ cheerleading ■ street dance ■ ■
Step It Up Dance Parties also available!
Childcare Agency YOU CAN PAY OUR FEES IN CHILDCARE VOUCHERS Our Services Include • Sleep Consultancy • Postnatal Depression
• Nannies • Babysitters
www.mandco.com
• Maternity Night/Day Care • Au pairs
Tax credit and Childcare Voucher Registration
0131 659 5065
leigh@butterflypersonnel.co.uk
www.butterflypersonnel.co.uk
www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
Email - editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk
Tel. 0131 622 0405
Childcare that wraps around you and yours Molly's are opening an all-inclusive Nursery for children from birth to 5 years. Creating a home-from-home experience, our mature and experienced team will provide a safe and supportive environment where kids can be kids, individuality is encouraged, strengths are developed and achievements celebrated. If you’d like to enquire about enrolling your child with Molly’s, please email us at: enquiries@mollysnursery.co.uk Molly's - an all-inclusive Nursery: care, education, exercise, nutrition and fun rolled into one.
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Whats Inside 3–7 8 9 10 11 12 – 17 18 – 21 22 – 23 24 – 30
Local News and Views Every Child Deserves a Family National Adoption Week Shorts Breaks With or Without the Kids Local Parenting News Parent to Parent Clubs and Classes Keeping It Local for Christmas Gifts, Markets, Fairs and Food Where to see Santa Out and About Editor: Sarah Adair editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk 0131 622 0405 Keep up to date at www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
The City of Edinburgh Music School
Follow us on Twitter @familiesedinbur Find us on Facebook Designer: kdickson7@gmail.com
NEXT ISSUE January/February 2013 The Great Big Birthday Party Guide Deadline December 1st
The City of Edinburgh Music School is unique. It is the only specialist Music School that covers the whole age range from 4 to 19 and is totally funded by the Scottish Government so it does not charge any fees. Entry is by audition and the gifted children selected receive specialist tuition in all aspects of music while based full-time at newly built state-of-the-art facilities in Flora Stevenson Primary and Broughton High Schools in Edinburgh. The school was selected to become the first UKAll Steinway School of Excellence in the UK and has 25 Steinway pianos – at least one in ever y teaching space. There are also professional standard recording studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces seating up to 500. Students from the school were recently; invited to perform at the 2012 Olympic Celebrations in London, accompany the National Youth Orchestra of Iraq’s first British tour with Julian Lloyd Webber, take part in both the International and Fringe Festival and, have been featured on national radio and television programmes. Sir Simon Rattle, CBE is the patron of the Music School. Financial assistance is given for travel if students live further afield, and there is also a trust fund to provide scholarships and resources for specialist music students. With all the advantages of expert individual tuition and the social mix of a large,successful state school - each child's gift for music is developed in a well-balanced and happy environment. Contact: Tudor Morris (Dir ector) 0131 332 7805 www .edinburghmusicschool.co.uk musicschool@broughton.edin.sch.uk
The Telford Arms Cover Information Reindeer shawl collar jumper £15, WOW slim fit jeans £7 (babywear 0-24 months) from M&Co www.mandco.com
The Telford Arms is a family friendly pub-restaurant on the north side of Edinburgh specialising in fresh fish and delicious home made food. With a newly opened kids corner and children’s menu of freshly prepared favourites it’s a great place to visit for a relaxing meal with the family . There’s also a mum’ s club offering teas, coffees and pastries ever y morning from 9am. www.telfordarms.co.uk www.facebook.com/telfordarms1 twitter: @telfordarms
Meadows Nursery The Meadows is a small eco nursery run by a primary school teacher situated in the heart of the Meadows. We care for children from 3 months to 5 years and we are in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council for the provision of funded places. We’re right behind Sciennes School next to the Sick Kids Hospital. If you would like to visit us please contact us on:
0131 667 5316 Meadows Nursery 5 Millerfield Place, EH9 1LW www.meadowsnursery.ik.org meadowsnursery@gmail.com
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Congratulations (again) to Time Twisters! At this years’ Play Providers Association ASPIRE Awards, TimeTwisters Play Centre received the GOLD award for the Best Food and Beverage in the UK. This award is given to the play centre that really stands out from the crowd and offers a well presented, innovative and creative menu to support an excellent quality food and beverage offering that then sets them apart. TimeTwisters was judged by an independent panel against a wide range of play centres from across the whole of the UK! Unit 5, Catalyst Park 2B Bankhead Drive, Sighthill
Blossom Tree Children's Nursery had a great time when two Lothian and Boarders Police Officers come out to visit
them as part of their 'People Who Help Us' topic. They had a wonderful time chatting to the Police and looking at their Police van - and even got to press the sirens and sit in the back of the van! Blossom Tree Nursery, Gilmerton. www.blossomtree.org.uk
Molly's Nursery Molly's Nursery - opening in Autumn 2012 - an all-inclusive Nursery for children from birth to 5 years. We are offering an all-encompassing back- to-basics approach to childcare, creating a homefrom-home experience where kids can be kids and individuality encouraged as we provide them with the building blocks they require to move comfortably through their early education years towards school. Our commitment to embracing multiculturalism includes teaching the children some basic foreign language skills. Recognising the importance of instilling at an early age the link between diet and exercise, we will encourage participation in bespoke exercise programmes designed and delivered by an experienced personal trainer, whilst our qualified nutritionist will ensure your children enjoy a healthy , varied and wellbalanced diet with recipes from around the world. They will also have fun learning some basic baking skills. Who knows, we may be encouraging future Olympians or master bakers! Our experienced and committed team will provide a safe and supportive environment and with their care and dedication shaping our activities, you will quickly realise the satisfaction they derive from seeing your children grow and develop. Whatever the activity, we will ensure they have fun on the way, inside and out - on trips or in class and will know the joy of being a child remembering us as the place that felt just like home. Underpinning this we will encourage a culture of excellence in all that we do, respect for ever yone and friendship. If you’d like to enquire about enrolling your child with Molly’ s, please email us at enquiries@mollysnursery.co.uk
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Road Safety Week is an opportunity for families and communities to come together to take action on road safety issues to help prevent casualties and make your community a safer place.Register for this year’s event (19-25 November), to receive your free email action pack, with downloadable posters, advice and case studies to help you plan successful activities. Last year communities across the country got involved in this huge event, coordinated by the charity Brake. Activities included road safety displays, competitions and newsletters, campaigns calling for safer roads, community speed checks and fundraisers, often in partnership with local authorities, schools and emergency services. The theme for 2012 is ‘Slower speeds = happy people’. Brake will be calling on drivers to slow down to 20mph around homes, schools and shops, explaining that it’ s a life-saver because it gives you a good chance of stopping in time in an emergency. You can run your initiative on this or any other road safety topic. For more information visit www.roadsafetyweek.org.uk
Lothian and Borders Safety Camera Partnership – keeping you safe on the roads At Lothian and Borders Safety
Camera Partnership we just want to make sure that all road users are safe,whether you’re a motorist, a biker or a pedestrian. Our only aim is to reduce the amount of collisions and the severity of injuries suffered. That is why safety cameras are only installed where there has been a histor y of collisions and speeding. If you want to know where all the safety cameras are or want to know how to keep yourself safe whilst out on the roads check out our website www.lbsafetycameras.co.uk
Have you been to Treehouse in Stockbridge yet? Treehouse offer casual & smart clothes from Mayoral & Joules, quality shoe fitting service stocking top brands such as Start-rite & Ricosta, specialist children’s hairdressing from age 0-12, and a huge range of educational books and toys. A one stop shop for babies and children. The exciting part is the interactive elements to keep the little ones entertained; flat screen TV with all the favourite DVDs, animal mural, colouring in table, and of course the yellow car hair chair!! Visit the website or facebook for more infor mation, offers, competitions & news www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU Call to book a hair cut appointment - 0131 2251242
The Yard - DIY SOS The Yard is the only indoor and outdoor adventure play centre for disabled children and young people (ranging from 3 to 25 years of age) in the East of Scotland. It offers play and youth work sessions to around 1500 disabled children and young people and is open 6 days a week from 9am to 9pm throughout the year . The Yard works with special schools; runs family sessions, pre-school sessions and youth clubs. Over two hundred local tradespeople gave up their time to give The Yard a massive overhaul last month. Celine Sinclair, Chief Executive of The Yard said: “I feel overwhelmed by the time and effort that all the people have put into making this such a great success. In just nine days The Yard has gone from being a great place to play in a very sorry state, to THE place to play. Thank you DIY SOS and BBC Children in Need.” Kids Bee Happy Edinburgh South is a fun, new and exciting activity for children that has just arrived in Edinburgh. With Magic Sand Painting children get handson and create amazing pictures with brightly coloured sand. It is virtually mess-free as the card is sealed in a pouch once the child has completed it. A great activity for boys and girls aged 3-12 years old and also those with special needs. Kids Bee Happy specialises in birthdays, weddings, corporate events, craft fairs, fetes and fun-days. Workshops for schools, nurseries, brownies etc. are also catered for . Events include an organiser and all equipment and materials. Call Claire on 07508310535 or email clair ep@ kidsbeehappy.co.uk Find out more at www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk
Relove the second hand children’ s shop in Stockbridge, where parents can buy , sell and exchange clothes and equipment, are now servicing, repairing and valeting buggies. They have also expanded their quality second hand clothes from birth to ten years. Check out their Facebook page for more details. Relove: 17 St Stephen St, Stockbridge, Edinburgh. EH3 5AN . Tue-Sat 10-5pm / Sun 12-4:30pm 0131 226 4141 Facebook / Relove Edinburgh reloveedinburgh@gmail.com
The building was first opened in 1993 by HRH Princess Anne and has been virtually untouched since. Today with all its services running at capacity and many children and young people playing there 6 days a week, BBC DIY SOS couldn’t have come at a better time. www.theyardscotland.org.uk
Come for a free test drive of a 360 degree cinema by the sea! Dunbar is hosting a 360 degree pop-up cinema for one weekend only in November. On 24th and 25th of that month, an Igloovision Dome will be up and running at the East Beach in the town. With free shows ever y hour on the hour , you will be able to see surroundsound films of the natural world as well as being able to have a say as to whether or not you would like to see a permanent attraction here. The event has been funded by Big Lotter y Investing in Ideas as the core to a feasibility study that may see a permanent Coastlife Centre come to this historic seaside town. It should be a great day out for all the family . You can get to Dunbar by train from Edinburgh in twenty minutes. There is no parking at the show site so if you want to drive, park at the Community Centre, Lauderdale Park, Winterfield Park or Leisure pool and walk for just a few minutes through the old town. You will find shops, cafes, art galleries and two harbours as well as the beach and rockpools. Dress for the weather! To find out more visit: www.ourlocality.org/dunbarcoastlifecentre www.igloovision.com
Having fun with sensible shoes. When your children leave the house in the morning you want to make sure that they are prepared for whatever the day has in stall. Making sure they are warm, cosy and dr y from their head to their feet is important as we come into winter. Our unpredictable weather really puts all of us to the test; a sunny winter morning could turn into a wild wet, snowy afternoon. One jacket for all weather is easy, one pair of shoes can that also be easy? Yes, it can with shoes featuring GORE-TEX® product technology Gore understands that children’s shoes have to be robust and built to last. Shoes that useGORE-TEX® fabric undergo rigorous product testing to make sure that they meet strict manufacturing standards. Only shoes which pass these tests in Gore’s accredited laboratories across the globe are ready to take on the challenges that your kids put them through in everyday life. If you’re not completely satisfied with the waterproofness or breathability of the shoes,they will repair them, replace them or refund the purchase price. After all, Gore vouches for the quality of its products with its GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY TM promise. Visit Masons Shoes Haddington or North Berwick to see the Autumn/Winter range of GORE-TEX® footwear from Italian children’s footwear brand, PRIMIGI.
WARMTOUCH is a small family business providing top
quality Heating, Gas and Plumbing ser vices to residential and small business customers in the Edinburgh area. “We pride ourselves on our reliability , punctuality and are always happy to provide an estimate regardless of the size of the job”. As a Gas Safe registered business (formerly CORGI) you can rest assured that all gas work is carried out to the strictest of standards. Contact Warmtouch on 0131 5161900
Dads Rock From the end of October Dads Rock will be running two Saturday playgroups a week, one at Gate55 Sighthill and one at The Prentice Centre, Granton. Both are free and open to any Dad (and male carers) from 10-11.30am. Free play , art stuff, snack, story time and music time. You can find out mor e about Dads Rock Antenatal as well as Dads Rock Academy check out their blog: http://dadsrock.blogspot.co.uk/ Spread the w ord, Dads Rock!
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Hamilton School of English
Have you ever considered becoming a host to international students? Do you have a spare bedroom in your home and would like to earn some extra money ? Hamilton School of English / Global School of English ( Edinburgh ) are now recruiting host families for their Young Learner Summer School Programme 2013 and their adult programmes which run throughout the year. Being a host : Being a host is both a pleasure and a responsibility. We would like our hosts to include people who have a genuine interest in other cultures and who are willing to welcome a guest into their own home and share their daily life. Hosting is your opportunity to gain lifelong friendships, become part of a global community and promote understanding through intercultural learning. In return you will receive generous remuneration. For further information , please contact us on 0131 556 4702. Email: info@gse-edinburgh.com
Montessori Diploma in Early Years Education The Montessori Partnership Diploma course begins a new 18 month cycle in early 2013 at Edinburgh Montessori Arts School. Part time; evenings and some weekends. “Modern research in psychology suggests the Montessori system is much more suited to how children learn and develop” - Angeline Lillard, Montessori: The science behind the Genius With equal appeal to parents, early years practitioners and those wishing to pursue an educational vocation; you will gain a deeper understanding of child development and a plethora of ways to support children’s learning. “Learning about children from a Montessori perspective has made me look at childhood in a different light. The course underpinned my current work as a lecturer in Early Childhood Studies, but furthermore has given me an invaluable insight into m y most important job; as a mum.” - Dr. Irene Pollock, former student. For an information pack contact: courses@emaschool.co.uk
The Pilates Attic, City Centre and Shore. From their two bright and spacious studios The Pilates Attic offer a range of classes. The team of fully qualified, experienced and friendly teachers each have their own area of expertise. Class sizes are kept small and tailored to your needs so you get the attention you deser ve. Pilates can be beneficial for just about anyone, regardless of age and fitness level. It can help improve your posture, flexibility of the spine and balance the body, tone your muscles, relieve stress and tension and promote a feeling of well being. Pilates helps greatly with a range of body issues from the usual bad back to post natal repairing , incontinence, fibromyalgia, M.S. and even M.E. Ballet body is new to the Pilates Attic and combines dance and Pilates to create more fluid and stronger movement. New Mum and Baby Classes. The perfect way to get back in shape and to work on any birth related problems. Target the areas most affected by your pregnancy - your tummy, hips, lower back and buttocks. The breathing exercises will also help to relax your mind. Dads are also welcome. City Studio, 50 Thistle Street North East Lane, EH2 1DA. Shor e Studio, 3 Queen Charlotte Lane, Leith, EH6 6A Y. www.pilatesattic.co.uk team@pilatesattic.co.uk 07505 647 505
Brain Tumour Research – Wear A Hat Day
Join the fun on Mar ch 28th 2013 and help fund the fight against brain tumours ‘Wear a Hat Day’ is a fun w ay of increasing awareness and getting people raising money for an often overlooked form of cancer. It’s a day ever y year that we ask people to wear a hat to raise awareness and funds for vital research into brain tumours. A day when we encourage people to make donations in order to wear a hat to school, at work, at social events or even at home. From sponsored silences to charity runs and school bake sales, educational facilities around the country are being encouraged to raise money in any way they can. Sue Farrington-Smith, Director of Brain Tumour Research, comments: “Brain tumour research receives less than 1% of national cancer research spending in the UK yet this deadly disease kills more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer so please get involved on March 28th 2013”. Register your interest today sarah@braintumourresearch.org
Parentzone Parentzone is a website dedicated to providing parents and carers with the most up to date information about their child’ s education. It provides practical advice and ideas of how parents and carers can be involved in their child’ s learning as well as essential information on features of Curriculum for Excellence. Children do better when families support their learning. From reading together; spending time talking and listening through to finding out about their day and helping them prepare for exams - involvement makes a world of difference. Curriculum for Excellence is raising standards of learning and teaching across Scotland. It is preparing children and young people with the skills and qualifications they need for a fast changing world. www.educationscotland.gov.uk/parentzone
Maddie & Mark’s Play Town Maddie & Mark’s Play Town at Ocean Terminal is now up and running. There’s so much more than softplay, there’s a Ball Shooter, Surf Rider and Zoopa Cannon. There’s even a mini supermarket, shoe shop and garage for the kids to explore. From toddlers to tweenies, there are fun zones to keep them completely enthralled. www.maddieandmarks.co.uk
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Edinburgh Christmas Events
The Edinburgh Christmas Events, the Walk, Run, Golden Tinsel Mile Walk and Santa Toddle will take place on Sunday 2nd December 2012. The Santa Toddle Sunday 2nd December Inverleith Park ‘’A Walk for Little Ones ‘’ Raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun! Santa Arrives at 1pm and is joined by all the children. At 1.30pm The Santa Parade/ Toddle begins. This is the highlight for the children and their families , many dress up for the occasion as one of Santa’ s elves or even Santa himself. Infants/Toddlers in buggies welcome. All children will receive a goody bag, Santa Medal and certificate. Entry fee £5 Enter online www.challengescotland.com Tel: 0131 208 2500 Sunday 2nd December Edinburgh Christmas Walk 11am Start in Inverleith Park sign up at www.challengescotland.com All ages. Enjoy a walk through the beautiful Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, along The Water of Leith, through Stockbridge and back to Inverleith Park. All under cover this year there will be the Edinburgh Christmas Charity Fayre Marquee in Inverleith Park on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December . Stop awhile to do some Christmas shopping, have a snack and listen to the live musical entertainment .
in! We have 3 Doodle W Daysacks to give away
Get your child’ s creativity flowing this Christmas with LittleLife’s adorable Doodle Daysack. The perfect gift for aspiring young artists, the Doodle Daysack comes complete with a special Doodle Pad that can be used for drawing, painting or even playing games. Once your child has finished their masterpiece, the pad can be displayed proudly in the daysack’s clear, front pocket. Perfect for keeping children entertained on long journeys to visit friends and relatives over the festive season, the Doodle Daysack has plenty of room for your child’ s favourite toys or other Christmas gifts. The daysack’s contents are easy to access thanks to its wide, zipped opening or alternatively, smaller items can be kept in the mesh or crayon pockets on either side of the bag. As well as the Doodle Pad, the clear front pocket is great for displaying any special finds from your child’s little adventures!
We have three of these lovely bags to give away. Enter online at
www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers
a £200 Shopping Spree ! n i W in time for Christmas! New clothes make any occasion extra special. The Polarn O. Pyret Christmas collection for newborn to age 12 years is now in stores and online. As always, the clothes are geared towards children not just looking good, but feeling comfortable too. Cosy cotton PJ’s that will last until next Christmas Eve, a new party dress that can handle spills, or an extra cute outfit for Christmas Day . Enjoy the occasion PO.P style whatever you are planning for the holidays. FREE! Gift wr apping is alw ays available at Polarn O. Pyret stores. For your chances to win enter your details at www.polarnopyret.co.uk/win by 10th of December. Terms and conditions apply. Winner will be notified via email on 11th December . Nearest store is Jenners, Princes Street
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© Rafal Olechowski
Every Child Deserves a Family
If you are thinking about adoption or know someone who is, National Adoption Week is the ideal time to find out more. Agencies often host open days or information evenings to give you a chance to discuss whether adoption is right for you. Fiona, an adoptive mum of 3 talks through some of the questions often asked about adoption:
A course for women returning to work Are you looking to return to work after a break? If you want to feel confident about relaunching your career, develop your computer skills and update your CV and interview technique, then The PCT Partnership's 'Women Returning to Work' course, starting in January 2013, is for you. The 10 week course is funded by Skills Development Scotland and is free if you live in Edinburgh/Lothians.
Call The PCT Partnership on 0131 622 6240 or email training@thepctpartnership.co.uk
Taking the Weight off Your Mind, Creating Space for Your Solutions
For Teenagers • Solution Focused Coaching Empowering teens to grow their emotional strength, maturity and resilience. Helping them manage stress, growing confidence and self esteem.
For Adults • NLP Diploma for Personal and Professional Development NLP is the Technology of Achievement, Evidence based training to empower you with the tools you need. www.weightshedinternational.com eilidh@weightshedinternational.com 07968 260282
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One of the big questions families have is about age limits with many thinking that 40 years old is a cut off point. In reality, there are practice guidelines around age and adoption but there is no legal age limit to adopt. Adoption agencies are guided by the child's needs and what the potential parents have to offer. Families dealing with secondar y infertility might have concerns that they won't be eligible to adopt because they have children already but this is not the case. One of the big factors that has to be taken into consideration is the age of the child at placement and the children in the family at the time of the adoption. It's often reported that the process is too difficult, too intrusive, too long and there's too much red tape. At times it can feel like some or all of those things but the steps in the process are there for good reason. Good communication with your agency and your social worker help to keep a check on where you are in the process and what the next steps and timings are likely to be. Other questions centre around the children placed for adoption – how old are they? Will they have additional support needs? Health concerns? Will there be ongoing contact with the birth family? Again often the picture painted in the media is that only older children are placed for adoption and although there are ver y few babies relinquished for adoption now, young children and babies are still placed in care and may be placed for adoption if returning to their birth family is not going to be possible. Contact with birth families is often a feature of adoption now but it is always decided on the best interests of the
child and is usually done by an exchange of letters at agreed times rather than direct face to face visits. The best way to dispel any myths or answer any of your questions is to get in touch with one of your local adoption agencies or, even better someone who has been through the process themselves. What to do if you'd like to find out more... Contact your local adoption agency or local authority and ask to speak to someone in their children and families team who deals with adoption Ask about their adoption process and whether they are recruiting any adoptive families just now (some agencies have regular preparation groups, others schedule according to demand, some local authorities don't run their own preparation groups but place children with families from local adoption agencies) If you have any questions about whether you're eligible or not you can discuss in your initial call or ask for an informal chat with one of their adoption social workers (it might be worth noting down any questions you have before the call just in case you forget once you're on the phone!) The next step would be a meeting with one of their social workers where you can discuss things in more detail and they can explain how their process works and likely timescales. Speak to as many agencies as you want, it's important that you feel comfortable that you've picked the one that is right for you.
Fiona is an adoptive mum of three with over 10 years of personal and professional experience of adoption. Fiona is a volunteer for Adoption UK and set up AdoptResources (www.adoptresources.co.uk) an online resource for families at all stages in adoption. Fiona can also be found on twitter @ Fiona_tweets and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adoptresources. Adoption UK is a national charity that supports adoptive families before, during and after the adoption process. It provides access to a range of services including a national Helpline, local support groups, an active online forum, a Family Support Ser vice, training courses and a lending librar y. Its family-finding ser vice, Children Who Wait, puts prospective adoptive parents directly in contact with adoption agencies, helping those children waiting for new families. There are lots of events taking place in Edinbur gh during the week to help you find out mor e adoption – please contact Adoption UK on 0131 555 5350 or scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk to find out more.
Autumn&
“Every Child Deser ves a Family” is the theme for National Adoption Week which runs from 5th to 11th November.
breaks with or without the children
As the nights draw in but the desire to get away from it all is still very much alive, these hand-picked Retreats in the beautiful North East England coast and countryside can offer superb luxury boltholes. Beach walks, log fires, sea views, rural locations, interiors to enjoy lazing in, books, games, gardens, complimentary leisure club membership all combine in an unbeatable portfolio of childfriendly, group-welcoming or romantic cottages and apartments. Bamburgh area Gaze at Bamburgh Castle from the patio of superb Bamburgh Six in the heart of this famous conser vation village, just minutes form the beach. Indulge the children with 9 acres of playground, farm animals, a warm farm welcome in a beautifully converted barn with log burner and its own waterfall - Budle Falls. Beadnell area Get a group of friends together at large Beach38 within a short walk of the beach – contemporary luxury with large garden and loads of space Craster, Embleton area For couples only, The Lodge @ Shirewater is 10 minutes walk from the beach, fabulous art deco styling set within the grounds of a 1930’ s country house and enjoying the use of 5 acres of woodland, walks and river. Further south The Alnmouth Boathouse offers another romantic retreat for 2 in this pretty seaside town with golf courses and beach walks on the doorstep. Just a small selection from a growing and carefully selected portfolio of stylish self catering properties from long established Coastal Retreats and sister company Country Retreats. www.countryretreatsuk.com www.coastalretreats.co.uk
Explore Scotland’s Castle Trail - the only one in the UK!
Escape to Aberdeen City and Shire and uncover an area brimming with surprising things to see and do. What’s more, this area is also home to one of Scotland’s most unique visitor experiences – Scotland’s Castle Trail. With 300 castles, that’s more per acre in Aberdeen City and Shire than anywhere else in the UK; you and your family can follow this intriguing Trail and take in 17 of the region’s finest castles.
WIN a luxury family Castle stay on Scotland’s only Castle Trail
Be King or Queen of your ver y own Castle estate for the weekend, as VisitScotland and Families invite you and your family to retreat to Scotland’s only Castle Trail and experience a stay to remember. You will stay for three nights, courtesy of National Trust for Scotland in the magnificent grounds of Crathes Castle. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful and best preser ved in Scotland, this fair ytale castle is a favourite for families and has a graceful tower with beautiful walled gardens and ancient yew hedges. And that’s not all, Historic Scotland invite you to savour a delicious afternoon tea and FREE entry to the house and wonderful exhibitions at Duff House – a splendid Georgian House in Banff regarded as one of the finest in Britain; FREE entr y to Tolquhon Castle – the most picturesque of the castles in the Grampian countryside and noted for its highly ornamented gatehouse; and FREE entry to Huntly Castle – remarkable for its magnificent architecture, it served as a baronial residence for over five centuries.
What are you waiting for? Enter now at: www.visitscotland.com/explorefamilies
Terms and Conditions: No purchase necessary. Draw closes 30.11.12. Open to all UK, CI, IoM and RoI residents except employees and their immediate families of VisitScotland, Families, National Trust for Scotland, Historic Scotland, their agents or anyone professionally connected with the promotion. For full Terms and Conditions, go to; visitscotland.com/explorefamilies
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PARENTINGNews Supporting Scotland’s Fathers and their Children
One Parent Families Scotland has been providing support and parenting based activity outings for lone/contact fathers for the last twelve years. They currently receive funding from Inspiring Scotland, Early Years Early Action to work with children aged between 0 to 8 years old and lone/contact fathers throughout Edinburgh.
What they do The project provides fathers and their children with the opportunity to take part in activities and outings on a Saturday. Regular meetings or support is also available through the week for the dads, as well as activities organized through the project, which have included photography , healthy cooking and eating classes. Fathers attending the project not only gain support from the support worker , but often gain support from other fathers who have encountered similar difficulties. Some fathers have been able to arrange to attend the outings as part of an agreed resumption of contact, or as a next stage after super vised contact.
What do Dads and Children get from it? These outings give the fathers and their children the chance to bond,communicate and improve on any parenting skills they may lack. These may include not knowing how to play with their children or how to handle difficult behaviour. Participation in the outings gives practical examples of how to handle such issues. Many of the fathers we have worked with have felt isolated, lacking friends or family support. They are unlikely to meet other lone fa thers and may be cut off from friends because of childcare issues. The fathers tell us that they are reluctant to seek help, or find it very difficult to identify sources of support which cater for fathers. Dads also gain access to other advice ser vices run by OPFS on issues such as legal matters, housing or childcare. If you kno w of anyone that can benefit from this ser vice please contact the Children’s and Fathers’ worker Tom Carroll, telephone number: 0131 556 3899, mobile number: 07814078139, E-mail: tom.carroll@opfs.org.uk
The Lighthouse Project
Flourishing Families The Keil Centre is an Edinburgh -based firm of Chartered Psychologists who offer a range of therapy and counselling services to individuals. The Keil Centre is running workshops for parents, aimed at applying positive parenting strategies to develop more harmonious family relationships. The workshops will be led by Chartered Psychologists who are parents themselves and so aware of the challenges which modern family life presents! Read more about these “Flourishing Families” sessions on page 9. Tel: 0131 229 6140 www.keilcentre.co.uk
Please drop in to our KnotStressed Social Groups Becoming a parent can be such a rollercoaster: from the point at which a decision is made to ‘try to conceive’, to the ups and downs of pregnancy, to the arrival of the wee one, to the exciting chaos of early parenting years. Being a parent is at times exhilarating, terrifying, exhausting, isolating, sociable, fun and emotional... plus a whole host of other feelings! It’s important to share this journey with friends – for fun, outings and of course many cups of tea and cake, but also for the essential support and reassurance that is so often needed to smooth out those bumps along the way. Going along to a social group, or a support group, can be daunting, especially at such a transitional time as pregnancy or postnatal.It can be so rewarding though to meet others at this epic time and often forge new friends for life. We have several social and support groups at KnotStressed: We offer a Fertility Support Group monthly for those who are ‘trying to conceive’, have experienced loss, and are finding it hard to stay calm. Two very friendly midwives run a monthly session where they are happy to answer any questions you might have, reassure you about your feelings and experiences and help you discover relaxation exercises for pregnancy and childbirth. New parents and wee ones are really welcome to drop into our Parent and Bab y/ Parent and Toddler social groups; where the little ones can play and you can enjoy a hot (yes hot!) cup of tea. And if you fancy a ‘grown-up break’ from the lovely bundles then drop in to our monthly Mama Chat Group where we relax without our little ones and meet other new parents in a friendly setting with lots of snacks.
We deliver free friendly helpful professional advice on parenting children and teenagers.This can be either given individually or as part of a series of workshops. Families affected by disability especially welcome although the ser vice is open to all.
Specialist sleep clinics Run by our qualified sleep counsellor , these sleep clinics are aimed at teenagers, children with disabilities, or just about anyone who needs it. For further information on this range of free ser vices please contact; Michael at The Lighthouse Project at Epilepsy Scotland. Tel. 0131 226 5458 or email madair@epilepsyscotland.org.uk
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Please consider coming along . All our g roups are donations based and ver y relaxed and informal. Onie Tibbitt is Co-Director of KnotStressed Therapies and has been facilitating groups for new parents for several years. www.knotstressed.com
2
Parent Parent
Claire is mum to Lewis (15 months) and lives in Colinton Mains. Favourite shop: Boots - who knew that my child would use more toiletries than me!! Favourite park: Botanic Gardens. I love the open space and the lovely walk through the grounds. Favourite children’s club / class: Tumble Tots. It encourages Lewis to tr y new things and boosts his confidence. Favourite day out: Iain and I taking Lewis out for a long walk Favourite child friendly restaurant: Frankie and Bennys. It’s always full of families so no one gets annoyed if Lewis gets a little excited!! Proudest eco-friendly moment: Being able to reuse a whole bag of baby clothes that a friend gave us when Lewis was born. Best planet saving tip: Reusable bags. We use Onya bags that fold up really small into a pouch. No parent should be without: Lots of muslin cloths. Parenting pet hates: People trying to tell me what to do. Most embarrassing moment (with child): Lewis and I were on the bus and Lewis stuck his tongue out at a very serious man who just glared back at us. Oops!!! And yes, it was daddy that taught Lewis that trick!! Parenting high points (what makes it all worthwhile): Lewis is now at the age where he is interacting with me a lot more and enjoys the people around him. Funniest comment (from child): I still have that fun to come. Lewis is still at the making lots of sounds age. Favourite family holiday spot: Northumberland. Great scenery and some beautiful walks. Best children’s book: The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson. Most played with toys: What toys? Everything is a toy in our house at the moment, especially our mobile phones!! Aside from that Lewis is beginning to take an interest in his toy garage and cars. Biggest waste of money: Snoozeshade- a wonderful idea in theory but after we bought one Lewis decided he could sleep anytime/anywhere!! Why you like living where you do: Our house in Colinton Mains is in a quiet area but we can still get to the City Centre and beyond very easily. Claire is proprietor of Kids Bee Happy Edinburgh South, a fun, new and exciting Magic Sand Art business that has jut started in Edinburgh. Children create beautiful cards with brightly coloured sand. It is an ideal activity for parties and events www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk
As parents in Edinburgh you have so much fantastic local knowledge – if you would like to share your favourite bits of being a parent and living in our fantastic city then please email: editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk
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MONKEY MUSIC
• Arts and crafts classes in Portobello for kids age 2-5 and their parent/carer • Make something new every week! • 1st Taster Class just £3 • Party Packages Available. To Book contact Marianne on mariannehunter@hotmail.com or call 07584650983 www.facebook.com/kaleidoscopekidsedinburgh
Do you have a passion for music with a desir e to run your own business? At Monkey Music they know that music is fundamental to a pre-school aged child’ s development. Their progressive and educational classes are age-specific and designed to nurture a lifetime of music. Back in 2006 Alison Rankin started up the Monkey Music Morningside & Pentland franchise.Although the brand was unknown in Edinburgh at the time, it wasn’t long before several classes were up and running and local children were beginning to experience what Monkey Music was all about! The business has since grown from strength to strength with over 200 children now singing, dancing and playing percussion instruments all across Edinburgh South! For personal reasons, Alison has now decided that it is time to move on to pastures new and hand the reins of this successful business to someone else with a love for music and working with children. Being part of a franchise network means there is the on-going support and training provided by a head office as well as an extremely comprehensive franchise package. Running your own franchise offers flexibility to work around your own family commitments as well as a proven business formula for peace of mind. The extensive brand awareness of Monkey Music in Edinburgh together with the established customer base in the Morningside & Pentland area makes this the ideal business opportunity for anyone with an interest in music who would like to run a successful Monkey Music franchise. For further infor mation please contact Alison on Tel: 0131 669 6004 or morningside.pentland@monkeymusic.co.uk
DANCE BASE
Bookings open for a whole range of fantastic spring term dance courses at Dance Base on Sat 8 December at 10am for the term which commences on Sat 5 January 2013. Whether your child fancies learning some super cool street moves or whether you fancy doing one of the many adult courses, there is something for ever yone aged 18 months to 60+! From Ballroom, Salsa, Tango and Le Roc to Contemporary, Yoga, Pilates, Jazz, Hip hop, Breakdance, Ceilidh, Highland and Belly dance there’ s plenty to choose from. Classes are available at the Grassmarket and also the Leith venue. Check out the website at dancebase.co.uk, call 0131 255 5525 or pop into Dance Base , 14-16 Grassmarket for more information. Get booking from 8th December, Dance Base look forward to hearing from you.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A FREE ASSESSMENT!
We all know the importance of maths and English. It has been widely shown, for instance, that young people with better literacy and numeracy skills are far more likely to succeed in gaining good employment and fulfilling their potential later in life. Kumon’s unique maths and English study programmes are tailored to the needs of each individual child, providing them with transferable skills and the ability to learn for themselves. As a result, children can improve their all-round academic performance and gain the confidence to tackle new challenges both in and outside of the classroom. Take advantage of a Free Assessment at your local centre to find out where on the programmes your child would begin and how their study will be individualised from the outset. Currie Centre 01506 884 894 Edinburgh, Morningside Centre 0131 466 9235 Edinburgh, Portobello Centre 0131 669 9116 Edinburgh, Ravelston Centre 0131 315 3025 Haddington Centre 01875 870 866
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TURTLE TOTS
Summer-Autumn has been a busy term for Turtle Tots Edinburgh. Four baby and toddler classes have been a fantastic success at the Novotel Hotel on Lauriston Place, and the mums and dads are looking forward to rounding off their Level 1 classes, and for baby to show off all the skills they have learned this term, with an underwater photoshoot in early November! Photoshoots are arranged each term with a professional underwater photographer, and are a lovely way to get some really special photos of baby. Aquanatal yoga classes have also started this term with lots of mums-to-be enjoying gentle exercise in the relaxing and supportive environment of water . Classes are ongoing and can be joined anytime after week 14 of pregnancy. The winter term looks set to be even more jam-packed with more Level 1 classes starting at the Novotel Hotel and also at Oaklands School Pool in November, and there will be lots more fun, songs and swimming skills to learn for everyone! Karina from Turtle Tots is also really excited to have made the first donation to their chosen charity , the NSPCC in Scotland, in October, as a percentage of all Turtle Tots class fees are donated to this ver y worthwhile cause. And Turtle Tots classes are now available to purchase as a gift, so Christmas looks set to be a busy time. For more information on new classes visit www.turtletots.com, or email or call Karina on Edinburgh@turtletots.com or 07964840049.
MUSICAL STEPS Musical Steps have been sharing their their fun, educational & inspiring music classes with children aged 4 months – 5 years and their families since 2002, so they’re delighted to announce the long-awaited launch of *NEW CLASSES* in Edinbur gh at Blackhall St. Columba’s Church Hall! Musical Steps’ award winning classes offer fun-filled & age appropriate activities which are expertly written to convey key musical concepts such as pitch, rhythm, pulse, tempo, dynamics, musical structure and timbre. Research shows that regularly participating in an interactive music class offers many benefits to children’ s neurological development, listening skills, language, communication, creativity, co- operation & gross motor skills. Lindsay Davies, Licensed Musical Steps Teacher, who also runs classes in South Queensferry, Denny, Stirling and Bridge of Allan, is keen to offer an opportunity to parents & carers who would like to car ve out quality time to spend with their children at the weekend. Families with babies & toddlers in Dalkeith and Bonnyrigg can also take advantage of the expertly written curriculum, thanks to Lindsay’ s colleague, Yvonne Williams, who is delighted to have successfully completed her Musical Steps Teacher Training earlier this year. Yvonne says “I am so excited to have found a great business that lets me share my passion for music and fits with caring for my own young family . Seeing the babies & toddlers’ faces light up as they see what’ s in the “Sound Sack” and get to choose their instruments & puppets just makes my day!” Taster classes available. For full details about Blackhall & South Queensferry classes please contact Lindsay Davies on tel. 0845 519 3544, Lindsay.musicalsteps@hotmail.co.uk or connect on Facebook www.facebook.com/lindsaysmusicalsteps.
TATTY BUMPKIN, ACTIVE, YOGA-INSPIRED SESSIONS Children can now bend, stretch, wriggle and giggle with Tatty Bumpkin in Edinburgh. Tatty Bumpkin sessions are fun, yoga- inspired stories with music. Tatty Bumpkin lives on Wobble Farm and each day has a magical adventure in the Giggle Tree. The yoga aspects include postures where children explore the different shapes their body can make – these are great for healthy joints and muscles. They encourage confidence, balance and co- ordination that are such important foundations for other activities like dance, tennis, football and more. Susan, an Edinburgh Mum says “My two and a half year old daughter tends to be shy at first, but thanks to Tara's engaging and caring manner , she quickly settled in and delighted in following the story of Tatty Bumpkin, loved playing with the props and happily participated in the exercises." Anna Cuthbert, Mum to Shona 4 and Isla 2 ag rees "Wonderful encouragement by the teacher who made sure each and ever y child got the most out of the session... I was surprised and delighted to see them all enjoy the relaxation at the end. A room full of excited children one minute, peace and quiet the next! What an achievement!" For more information see www .tattybumpkin.com/edinburghwest, email edinburghwest@tattybumpkin.com or call 07411 571001 or 0845 6804102
HONEY POT CERAMICS
After School Club (during sc hool term) at Honey Pot Cer amics. Each week we have a specific project to work on which may include ceramics, cosmetics, jewellery and other arts and crafts. Projects will take around 90 mins to complete so you can drop in at any time between 1pm and 5pm. Price: £12 includes juice & snack. Booking essential. Messy Play Arts and Craft sessions - For pre-School Children 6mths+ Monday, Thursday and Friday mornings and Thursday afternoons every week, £6.00 per session or £5.50 if you book more than 4 sessions (includes all craft materials) Mon/Fri: 10-11am and Thursday two sessions: 10-11am and 2pm – 3pm. Every week we have a different fabulous theme to inspire the imagination and creativity. Sessions include a range of art and craft activities, including paper crafts, painting, space slime, dough modelling, jelly, to name a few ... The aim of our sessions is to help develop self-awareness, creative expression, fine motor skills, hand-eye co-ordination and, most importantly, to have lots and lots of messy fun! Things will get messy so old clothes are recommended for ever yone! Booking Essential. www.honeypotceramics.com 0131 333 6348
Edinburgh/Lothians 07940 559135
HQ Fife 01383 62 45 99
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KIP MCGRATH EDINBURGH WEST
TALKING TOTS
Talking Tots recent Nursery Rhyme Sur vey, which asked 1000 parents around the countr y to choose their favourite Nursery Rhymes for preschool children, revealed the top 5 favourite rhymes in the UK to be: Twinkle,Twinkle Little Star - first published 1806 Incey Wincey Spider - first published 1948 Round and round the garden - first published 1948 Baa Baa Black Sheep - first published 1744 Hickory Dickory Dock - first published 1744 “Our survey found that nearly all parents sharing rhymes with their children were taught the rhymes by their parents and were recalling them from their KIP MCGRATH EDINBURGH CENTRAL childhood ” says Jen Cadger, who runs Talking Tots & NORTH (NEW TOWN) classes in Edinburgh. “We know that children who Kip McGrath Edinburgh Central & North (New Town) provides regularly listen to and join in with nurser y rhymes have better communication and social skills.” professional individualised tuition in maths & English using proven Kip methods for all ages (3 to adult) and abilities.Their Parents visiting Waterstones, Princes Street (W est successful centre in New Town has been established for over End) on Saturday 27th October between 1-3pm can 10 years. Centre Director Indy started teaching in 1992 and take part in FREE Talking Tots sessions with Jen. The sessions will show some of the games and activities has extensive and recent experience of teaching in local used at Talking Tots classes across Edinburgh to help schools so has up to date knowledge and expertise of the “Our preschool children develop strong communication new curriculum and recent educational initiatives. skills and social confidence. Until mid No vember successes include students gaining outstanding marks in you can do wnload the top 3 nurser y rhymes exams for maths and English at all levels including S.Q.A. exams, i.e. highers, G.C.S.E's , 100% successes for entrance and the accompanying actions at exams. 90% of our students have moved up groups in class www.talkingtots.info Plus you'll find some top tips and most are excelling beyond expectations. Our teachers for parents on how to use nurser y rhymes with your present learning for all our learners in a fun interactive way”. little ones to aid communication and language development. And there's an online competition to Check out their website win up to £200 worth of toys. www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/edinburgh-central for further For more information about Talking Tots, please information. Call Indy today for a FREE assessment on contact Jen Cadger by email 01316106110. 1 Huntly Street, New Town, jen@talkingtots.info or call 07803 820 677. Edinburgh EH3 5HB. Many parents worry about how their children are performing at school. Are their children at the standard appropriate for their age and class? At Kip McGrath, we provide a free, no obligation assessment which enables parents to find out exactly how their child is doing. Thereafter we tailor make a learning programme to suit the individual needs of ever y child. Fully supervised computer assisted learning is a part of every lesson at Kip McGrath thus making learning relevant to the interests of today’s children. Our 80 minute sessions are split into 6 sections of multi-sensor y activities. These are carefully designed to both motivate and inspire, as well as build confidence and self belief. Professional tutors provide weekly feedback to parents, making sure they are kept involved in their child’ s learning. At Kip McGrath we help children achieve their full potential and provide parents with peace of mind. A new centre is opening in Edinburgh West in October – we are delighted to be able to e xtend our ser vice to more students in the Lothians. To book a fr ee assessment at the centr e in Livingston, Balerno or Barnton call Pip on 07807835261.
Fun, funky and educational arts & crafts classes for children. Painting, drawing, sculpture, model making and much more! Arty parties and holiday workshops also available 0131 553 6798 / 07931 513 815 www.artroom32.co.uk
NEW MUM AND BABY CLASSES.
The perfect way to get back in shape and to work on any birth related problems. Target the areas most affected by your pregnancy - your tummy, hips, lower back and buttocks.The breathing exercises will also help to relax your mind. Dads are also welcome. This class will • Help recondition and strengthen pelvic floor . • Knit split abdominal muscles back together . • Help improve posture, particularly beneficial for breast feeding. • Help improve joint instability. • Strengthen and tone while reducing tightness and tension. • A great way to meet other mums and babies City Studio, 50 Thistle Street North East Lane, EH2 1DA. Shor e Studio, 3 Queen Charlotte Lane , Leith, EH6 6AY. www.pilatesattic.co.uk team@pilatesattic.co.uk 07505 647 505 Artistic Director Julie Mitchell, LRAD, ARAD, AISTD Examiner of The Royal Academy of Dance
EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Branches throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian
EDINBURGH DANCE ACADEMY Edinburgh's Premier Dance School * Ballet * Jazz * Modern * Tap * Drama * Singing A caring environment where pupils achieve their highest potential. See us in the Pantomime at The Kings Theatre.
EXAM RESULTS 100% PASS RATE
0131 337 3402 www.edinburghdanceacademy.co.uk 4-6 Coltbridge Ave, Edinburgh, EH12 6AH
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POTTER AROUND
Kids Club Fridays 1.30-3pm £10 inc juice and snack Different craft activity each week from potter’s wheel to jewellery. Craft ‘n’ a Story Mondays 10am £4.50 tea/coffee for the adults Stories and crafts lots of creative fun for little ones.
Oil Painting Mondays 5-6.30pm Release your true creative nature and be the next Picassco. Learn all the techniques to paint something you’ll be proud of. Local artist Kirsty McDiarmid will teach you all you need to know . £15 a session. All materials included. Knitting Saturdays 10.30-12 Learn to knit with Irene. £4.50 a class (we have wool on sale and will lend you the needles) We also run candle and lip balm making workshops, potter’s wheel workshops, jewellery workshops and more - call for details or check the face book page and website. Warhammer Club - Paint and game - Mondays 3.30-5.30pm Fridays 2.30 - 5 Make scenery - Saturdays 10.30-12.30 £4.40 a session. Products also for sale in the shop Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8DD Chat@potteraround.co.uk www.potteraround.co.uk
LOTHIAN DANCE ACADEMY
Lothian Dance Academy is delighted to announce excellent exam results with 70% of their pupils gaining distinction in recent RAD exams. Special congratulations to Kirsty Fairgrieve who got 93% in Grade 7 and Kianna, Abigail & Beth who got an amazing 99% each in Primary. Classes at Lothian Dance Academy: Pre-School Ballet & Tap - These classes are fun and informal, consisting of music, movement and simple ballet & tap steps. At this age the children learn best through exploration and imagination and so the teacher will encourage this. Royal Academy of Dance and ISTD Exams For the older child we offer exams if desired with the RAD & ISTD: Primary through Grades 1-8 and major work (Intermediate Foundation, Intermediate & Advanced) on to advanced for older students. Pupils passing through our school may be here for fun, exercise or just the joy of dance. Tap- Introduces rhythm and musicality in dance to the child. The discovery that noisy feet can act as a musical instrument is an exciting introduction to music itself. They also run v arious Streetdance classes for boys and girls and classes to cater from 5 to 15yrs. www.lothiandance.com
MUSIC BUGS
Sensory, music and singing classes for the under 5’s in Edinburgh Music Bugs provide sensory and interactive music and singing classes across Edinburgh for children aged newborn to 5 years of age. As well as a large choice of instruments to choose from, children have the chance to play with puppets, pom - poms, scarves, rhythm sticks, parachutes, balls, bubbles and our ver y popular hobby horses. Each class runs for 40 minutes and pre-booked free taster sessions are available. Music Bugs classes encourage many important skills, namely numeracy, language and literacy, fine and gross motor control as well as social skills and independence.If you would like to book a free taster session, please contact Hilar y Crothers, hilary@ musicbugs.co.uk for further details about our classes in East Edinbur gh and Shelley Marshall, shelley@ musicbugs.co.uk for classes run in the West Edinburgh area. You can also find further details on all our Edinburgh classes b y visiting www .musicbugs.co.uk/ classes.php
Dance classes for children from age18 months.
BALLET TAP MODERN & STREET Classes held at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre Book your free trial now Dance birthday parties also available ALL regular dance classes held at Craiglockhart Leisure Centre
Call Nicky 07545 551271
FREEL
TRIA CLASS
nicky@dndance.co.uk www.dndance.co.uk
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STEP IT UP DANCE
SPARKLE ARTS
Step It Up Dance run classes in Breakdance, Street Dance and Hip Hop around Edinburgh. Their new term of classes for Toddlers, Pre-schoolers & Primar y-age kids has just begun and it’s a great time to join as they are gearing up towards the Christmas Show! With kids from all over Edinburgh taking part, this promises to be a fantastic celebration of fun and funky Edinburgh dancers – book your space now and be a part of it! Step It Up Dance – for healthy, happy bodies and minds. Also available: Step It Up Dance Parties! Fun, unique & affordable - get in touch! www.stepitupdance.co.uk / 07428 110 135/ www.facebook.com/StepItUpDance
Sparkle Arts nursery classes are designed to help little personalities shine through a fun mix of Expr essive Arts. All our classes meet the four main aims of the National Curriculum for Excellence. Every week we teach a different educational subject. Through dance, drama and music we encourage creative expression, develop social skills and build confidence. We also offer parent and child classes, classes in playgroups and parent & toddler groups, birthday parties and specially themed seasonal parties including Halloween and Christmas. Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information regarding these services. From January 2013 we will be running new weekly Par ent and Child classes ever y Wednesday and Friday mor nings at “ The Myreside Club”, George Watson’s College. 9.15am – 9.45am ( age w alking – 2 ) 10am – 10.45am (2 – 5 ) Classes cost £6.00. www.sparklearts.co.uk
THE ST PETER’S SINGING CLUB
IDANCE
The St Peter’s Singing Club was established in 2004 to give children in P 1 -4 the opportunity to sing and be involved in drama. We meet ever y Thursday afternoon during term time for a fun-filled session of singing, drama and fun. Doors open at 3.30 and the Club starts at 4 pm. We have a snack at 4.45 pm. There is a second session lasting till 5.30 pm which is optional. The cost per week is £1. Find out more at www.stpeterssingingclub.org
KALEIDOSCOPE
Kaleidoscope arts and crafts classes in Portobello for kids age 2-5 and their parent/carer. Make something new ever y week and take it home. Benefits of Art and Craft for toddlers:- Handeye coordination- The more children draw and create the more this skill will be developed. Fine Motor Skills- When little ones start draw it is usually scribbles but over time the fine motor skills develop through practice! Be creative- Stimulate imagination and be proud to have made their mark! Quality time spent with their parent/carer!! And at Kaleidoscope Kids it’s all about developing some confidence through games and chat too!
Classes: Wednesdays from 24th October The Tide Art Gallery and Coffee Shop, Kings Rd, Portobello 1.30 to 2.30 Fridays from 2nd November at Portobello Community Centre 3 Adelphi Grove, Portobello 10 to 11. Class £5 (book a block to get 10% off). Taster class only £3 Workshops (for children of all ages) Halloween Workshop Sat 27th October at The Tide Art Gallery and Coffee Shop, Kings Rd, Portobello 10 to 11.30 Christmas Workshops also coming up! Like our Facebook page to stay up to date! Pay as you go without commitment to a term £5 Available for Party Packages: Craft activities based around Princess and Pirates or bespoke! To Book contact Marianne on mariannehunter@hotmail.com or call 07584650983 or msg me on FB www.facebook.com/kaleidoscopekidsedinburgh
Lothian Dance Academy 2 Rosefield Ave Lane, Portobello and Gracemount Leisure Centre
Pre-school Ballet & Tap Modern Jazz & Tap Boogie Kids Streetdance/Hip Hop Musical Theatre Song & Dance RAD Ballet Grades to Advanced 2YRS - ADULT
Tel: 0131 669 9073
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At idance scotland we offer your child the opportunity to participate in examinations in classical ballet, tap and jazz with the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and classical ballet with The Royal Academy of Dance. These examinations range from children’s grades to senior major grades. Mini Mover classes Tap These classes are for children aged from In tap we offer examinations from grades to 21⁄2 to around 5. Early childhood includes majors with the ISTD examination board. We the development of gross motor skills. This also offer the opportunity to learn time steps means children learning to control the large to Susie Q in our adult tap class. muscles in the body that help them walk, Modern and Jazz skip, run, jump and move around in different When your child reaches Primary Grade they ways. We use stories, games and colourful will begin learning Jazz and Modern in their props to help bring these classes to life. classes. We offer the ISTD examination Ballet board’s grades to majors in Modern Theatre In ballet we offer examinations in preDance and Bronze to Gold awards in Jazz. school, primary, grades 1-6 and major Classes are held in Bonnyrigg, Port Seton, grades in both ISTD and RAD examinations Oxgangs, Eskbank and Loanhead. Classes boards. start from 18 months to adults. Tel. 0131 672 2588 mob. 07790481064 email. enquiries@idancescotland.com
DYNAM-NIC DANCE
Dynam-nic dance is a fresh and fun dance school that offers classes to children from the age 18 months up to 18 years. Children under the age of 3 enjoy learning the basics of dance along with a parent or guardian joining in our adventures! From age 3 upwards, students have the opportunity to learn ballet, tap, modern, jazz and street dance. Various classes for all ages tak e place throughout the week at Craiglockhart Tennis centre on Colinton Road. For class details please visit our website at www .dndance.co.uk For any enquiries please contact Nic ky at nic ky@ dndance.co.uk or call 07546551271
DO YOU WANT TO HOST AN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT? Bright World Guardianships takes care of international boarding students in UK independent schools. We are looking for families to host our students for some weekends and half terms.
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This is a great job and has provided our family with a valuable extra income as well as being lots of fun and a cultural experience.
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For more information please contact Lindsay Tribe, Host Family Recruitment Manager lindsay@brightworld.co.uk www.brightworld.co.uk
‘‘Bright World is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.”
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Keeping it Gifts
local
Floris Books
Pottery Painting & Craft Studio
Come and try your hand at jewellery, glass and clay making, general crafts and pottery painting Bring your imagination and we’ll have the rest! Available for parties, schools, playgroups and after school clubs See website for details on clubs & classes
Tel: 01506 238961 Email: chat@potteraround.co.uk or visit www.potteraround.co.uk
Floris Books are an Edinburgh based publishing company and also the largest children’s book publisher in Scotland. Here are their suggestions for some wonderful Scottish books to give for Christmas. Picture Books (3-6 years) Mac's Christmas Star £5.99 It's Christmas Eve in Mac the cat's house and the family are busy preparing for Christmas Day. Catriona accidentally finds her Christmas present, some beautiful jewellery -- but then loses the ring. Meanwhile the family buy an enormous Christmas tree, which Mac is determined to climb... A warm and funny festive stor y from everyone's favourite Edinburgh cat. Children's Novel (8-12yrs) Really Weird Removals.com £6.99 Mischievous fairies? Stranded mermaids? Smelly troll? Whatever your supernatural dilemma, call the Really Weird Removals company! Luca and Valentina's uncle Alistair is a paranormal investigator. When he realises the children can see the supernatural creatures that share our world, he invites them to join his team.But this exciting new world is also packed with danger. When confronted by malicious kelpies and hungr y vampires, can their wayward uncle keep the children safe? Children's Gift (5-15yrs) An Ilustrated Treasury of Scottish Folk and Fair y Tales £14.99 Slithering stoorworms, mischievious brownies, fierce kelpies and magical selkies -- these are the creatures of Scottish folklore. Award-winning children's author Theresa Breslin has collected the best-loved tales from all over Scotland. Retelling each in its own individual style, she presents funny tales, moving tales and enchanting fair y tales. A wonderful gift, this is a truly stunning book to be treasured for a lifetime and will be enjoyed by parents and grandparents as well as children.
Scottish Seabird Centre For a gift that keeps on giving, why not give your friends and family a membership for the Scottish Seabird Centre. At this five star attraction in North Berwick, you can zoom in on the wildlife action on the Firth of Forth islands with interactive live cameras. Enjoy different wildlife throughout the seasons, including puffins, gannets and seals. Learn all about them in the Wildlife Theatre, Migration Flyway and Telescope Deck or let the little ones go wild in the Kids’ Zone with soft play and arty activities. Not only do members get free entry to the Discovery Centre but also discounts in the gift shop, Seabird Cafe ́ and seasonal boat trips, plus special events, members’ magazine and more! Membership is available from only £1.50 per month. For more info visit www.seabird.org Puffins, seals and gannet family adoptions are available for £30. Each adoption pack features a certificate, poster, fact sheet and soft toy - plus you have recognition in the Discovery Centre too! You can also keep an eye on your favourite wildlife via the webcams at www.seabird.org
Win!
Families has teamed up with the Scottish Seabird Centre to offer one lucky reader the
chance to win their very own adopted puffin, seal or gannet family. Show our local wildlife that you r eally care! Enter online at
www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk/offers
Lisa Pettersson
Lisa Pettersson “I started making these paintings as my own son was g rowing up (he’s still only 3.5) as I felt I wanted to paint him but didn’t want the work to be sentimental. I think the fact the y are so stylised and the colours so striking avoid this. The photos I have used and I have asked previous customers to choose is full-length shots, ideally of a situation rather than a straightforward portrait. It gives the picture a narrative and says so much more than a conventional portrait.” You can discuss the artwork with Lisa - this style of artwork is black and white acr ylic on paper . Backgrounds can be any colour (though she often uses orange). You choose an image that is special to you - and either email or post a selection of images to Lisa. Prices from £80 and include the picture (around A4 in size) and a white professional mount, which measures 30x40cm and easily fits into standard size frames. (Ikea or John Lewis for example!). “If I just work on a couple of commissions at the time I don’t need many days notice, but as Christmas can get busy best give me 3 weeks or so.” Lisa is Swedish but moved here to study in 1995 and has lived here ever since. She has worked as an artist and graphic designer since graduating in Fine Art in 1999. www.lisapettersson.com
Smallprint Cakes, Crafts, Jewellery, Tea,Coffee and much more. You'll find treasures aplenty and can even make some of your own. Cafe • Craft Workshops • Parties • Decopatch • Venue Hire 157 North Musselburgh High Street e mail - cakeandcrafts@hotmail.com Telephone - 07796 942514
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Treat your loved ones to a piece of magic at Christmas with a unique piece of Smallprint silver keepsake jewellery. Smallprint fingerprint jewellery is so special, each piece has actually been touched by your child or loved one. As well as capturing your child’s unique fingerprint in fine silver, Abi from Smallprint, can also turn your Santa’s little helpers cute drawings and handwriting into precious silver keepsakes for you to cherish forever. Be it a finger print, a hand or footprint or a doodle, what better way for them to enjoy the Christmas spirit than by helping Father Christmas to make his presents! Abi handcrafts an exquisite selection of bespoke jeweller y, guaranteed to inject some festive cheer into your present buying. With a range that includes pendants, charms, cufflinks and keyrings, plus a brand new range of birth tags and ingots, you will find a treat for all the family! Christmas is Abi's busiest time of the year so be sure to get your orders in early to avoid disappointment. (Venues include The Baby Stork Company in Ocean Terminal and Time Twisters). For a full list of venues and dates go to www .facebook.com/SmallprintEdinburghFifePerthKinross or visit www.smallprint.com/abigailgreen. Remember I can also do parties in your o wn home, which are great fun at this time of year. Call 077477 07527 or e-mail abig@smallp.co.uk to book.
this Christmas SLB Images I specialise in
children and family portraiture and am taking bookings now for Christmas sessions. We will capture your family at their best by making sure your children have fun. Our shoots can take place in our brand new studio or your favourite location. There are plenty of locations we can recommend for stunning shoots all year round. During your shoot we want you to feel relaxed and if you have small children there will be plenty of time for feeds and unexpected changes! There is no limit to the amount of images taken during you shoot so please feel free to bring along any changes of clothing, costumes or props that would like to include in your images. SJB Images, The Studio, 2 Almondhill Farm Cottages, EH29 9EQ Tel: 07939 180 610 email: susan@sjbimages.co.uk
Alphabet Paintings
Edinburgh Zoo
Edinburgh Zoo has not one, but four brand new Animal experiences. The fantastic new experiences will mean that now animal lovers and fans alike can get up close and personal to even more of the animal residents at one of the UK’s best known Zoos! For the first time youngsters will now be able to get even closer than ever before to some of their favourite animals, not only that, they will even be able to help look after some of the characters that call Edinburgh Zoo home. • Children aged 8 years and over can meet the meerkat clan in a 30 minute long exciting Meerkat Experience priced at £35 • Half Day Keeper Experience full of action packed fun, perfect for those aged 16 years and above.Costing £125 • Junior Keeper Experiences are a fantastic hands-on experience is available for two age groups, 8-11 and 1215 years old. The junior keeper experience lasts for three hours and costs £125 • Birds, Bugs and Beasties Experience which will see those aged 6 years and over delve into a ver y special experience, lasting 30 minutes and priced at £35, As a special momento of the experience, each participant will receive an Experience t - shirt and a certificate.Find out more at www.store.rzss.org.uk/en/keeper-experiences
Join us for a real family Christmas Home-made Christmas Day menu just £34.50 (5 courses) 76 Telford Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2NF www.telfordarms.co.uk
Newly opened kids corner!
The Jack & Jill Market
After having her first child in Januar y this year, Alison took back up her love of painting during her son Murray's lunchtime sleeps (when he did sleep!). She began painting children's names in watercolour featuring animals matching the letters of the name, e.g. Alligator for A, Canary for C, Toucan for T, X-ray fish for X! After a few commissions, AlphabetPaintings.com was born. Each painting is individually created - favourite colours, animals, toys, cars... anything can be included! An Alphabet Painting is the perfect gift this Christmas! Paintings can be finished framed (£50) or unframed (£35) and will be delivered free within Edinburgh city limits. Orders for Christmas should be made before the end of November. If your order is too late, Alison can supply a gift voucher and the painting can be completed in the New Year. For more information, visit www.alphabetpaintings.com, email enquiries@alphabetpaintings.com or call Alison on 07866 579977.
Treehouse As well as offering casual & smart clothes from Mayoral & Joules, quality shoe fitting service stocking top brands such as Start-rite & Ricosta, specialist children’ s hairdressing from age 0-12, they also have a huge range of educational books and toys. A great place for some Christmas shopping! On December 1st come along and and you could meet Santa! He has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit all the little monkeys in Stockbridge! There is loads going on in the Treehouse including face painting, colouring in, and loads more action. Make sure you come prepared with your Christmas wish list! Visit the website or facebook for more information, offers, competitions & news www.treehousechildrenswear.co.uk Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU
Apparently the a verage family can spend a massive £700 at Christmas. So to help cut that cost The Jack & Jill Market are suggesting a “Nearly New” Christmas! “Our children don’t know or care that an item has been played with and loved before it reaches them, in fact I am sure we can all relate to how they always seem to get more enjoyment playing with toys everywhere else that you go. If it’s New to them then as far as they are concerned its NEW!” Or to help the Christmas piggy bank why not book a stall to sell and recycle, and keep 100% of what you make on the day! To date, 80% of mums selling at The Jack & Jill Market have made £100-£350, with a number of top selling mums making over £500. Dont miss our ne xt markets in Meadowbank Stadium, London Road on Sunday 18th No vember and Sunday 9th December. 10:30am-1:30pm
Ckooshy.com
Ckooshy is a new on-line shop that offers colourful handmade cushions with a difference. You can choose size, fabric and trim and also customise it by adding a name or initial in a number of colours and fonts,creating a unique gift with your own personal touch. Finding something special for your loved ones just got easier . Handmade by
us....designed by you. Visit us at Ckooshy.com to be inspired.
Scottish Ballet's Nutcracker Scottish Ballet's Nutcracker features stunning sets, costumes and breathtaking choreography . Along with Tchaikovsky's sumptuous score performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. At the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 8 - 12 January, tickets to this would make a wonderful Christmas present (and something to look forward to after Christmas!) “An enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, and a nutcracker who may just be a handsome prince in disguise - this winter , prepare to enter a magical new world...” Festival Theatre Edinburgh Book online at www.edtheatres.com
George Heriot's School Parents' Association
Christmas Fair
Saturday 1st December. 1pm to 4pm Free entry. All welcome. Stalls, Santa, entertainment, Christmas goodies, bike sale, refreshments and lots, lots more. George Heriot's School Hall and Refectory, Lauriston Place
Honey Pot Ceramics • Paint you own pottery • Make your own cosmetics • Design your own jewellery • Try out other craft activities • Party Packages • Messy Play for Pre-school children For details of workshops and holiday activities visit: www.honeypotceramics.com or call us on 0131 333 6348 Based at the EICA, Ratho, South Platt Hill, EH28 8AA Open 7 days 10 - 5pm - other hours by arrangement Open late Thursday
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Keeping it Celebrate
On the first day of Christmas, Real Foods recommends... Real Foods has compiled a list of their top products for the 12 days of Christmas. They include dairy-free Booja Booja Organic Chocolate Truffles, award-winning Tilquhillie gluten-free Christmas Pudding and Perlage Organic Sparkling Wine Prosecco Spumante Italy Brut 'Animae' which is organic,vegan and sulphite-free . After all the wonderful festive indulgence, be prepared for a New Year detox too with organic Yogi Pure Detox Tea and Dale Pinnock’s Clear Skin Cook Book. See their list in full at www.realfoods.co.uk.
The Telford Arms
The Telford Arms on the north side of Edinburgh has a newly opened kids corner with a good selection of toys and books meaning you can relax and enjoy your meal while the kids play nearby. For Christmas Day they are offering a 5 course menu for an amazing £34.50, with a kids menu for £17.25. Or if you prefer, 2 courses for just £7.50 or 2 for £14.50 so why not book up now and take the stress out of your Christmas Day? www.telfordarms.co.uk www.facebook.com/telfordarms1 twitter: @telfordarms
TimeTwisters Come and enjoy all the magic of the festive season at TimeTwisters, where Christmas really comes to life! The play centre takes on a whole new character at Christmas with beautiful decorations and a festive specials menu with all the trimmings. So whether you’re just coming along for some seasonal fun in the play areas or are looking to organise a special Christmas party (both private and corporate parties catered for), TimeTwisters is the place to be this winter. Contact TimeTwisters on 0131 308 2464 for more infor mation or check out www.timetwisters.co.uk
Children's Christmas Parties at World of Bowling
Our unique children's parties are the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Ideal for group outings! One hour of bowling, sandwiches and sausage rolls, juice, jelly & Ice cream plus a gift for only £11 per child. More information at www.worldofbowling.com
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Create
local
I love a handmade gift - what I’m less fond of is the glitter fallout! Art studios and pottery cafes are MEANT to be covered in glitter and paint. It’s gives them character and charm - my kitchen, less so! Don't forget Doodles is the perfect place to make a personal gift for someone special this Christmas.Hand and footprints are always a cute present for a loved one. Please be aw are to guarantee that imprints ar e framed and r eady for Christmas then mid November is the latest you can do these . However all other potter y items can be painted in glaze up until the 20th Dec . Wed 7th November: Get crafty this Christmas and make your own bunting - perfect for children's bedrooms or fireplace garlands. prices start at £3.50 per triangle. Workshop starts at 7.30pm and kicks off our festive mulled wine and mincepie evenings every Wed in November and December. Bunting can also be made to order. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place . Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh
artroom32 goes Christmas crackers! Come and join in with the festive frolics and make some cracking cards, rockin' rudolphs, awesome angels, beautiful baubles, shiny stars, perfect penguins, snazzy snowmen, gorgeous gifts and stinky stockings.....ok, so maybe not the stinky part but that's up to you! Fun & funky Christmas arts and crafts classes to get you in the mood for Mr S.Claus squeezing down your chimney. Friday 7th, Friday 14th and Saturday 15th December . See website or contact Louise for times, prices and mor e details www .artroom32.co.uk t: 0131 553 6798 / 07931513815 e: info@artroom32.co.uk Winter Wonders at Potter Around Lots of Christmas stock in to paint or decopatch and make your own decorations in clay. Clay imprints Perfect for Christmas gifts - immortalise your babies hand and foot prints in clay . Prints for Pawsterity - your dog's paw prints in clay £30 an imprint Call to book. Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian, EH27 8DD Chat@potteraround.co.uk www.potteraround.co.uk
Christmas Artsparks December 15th 10am -
4pm Christmas Artsparks A fun and seasonal crafty workshop making beautiful decorations and gifts from recycled and found objects. Enormous fun and essential free time for last minute shopping! Izzie Chappell and Davina Bowers will make the most of Jupiter's outdoors whatever the weather... expect happy, tired children with armfuls of goodies at the end of the day . £40 including all materials. 5 to 10 year olds. Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House steading , Nr Wilkieston, Edinburgh, EH27 8BB t: 01506 889900 www.jupiterartland.org
Honey Pot Ceramics We now have essential oils in the studio - so you can drop in anytime to make even more fabulous soaps, bath bombs, lip gloss, balms and shower gels. We also have new products for you to tr y making (Bath Muffins and Body Scrubs) Christmas Drop–in-Crafts Ever y Friday afternoon, and Saturday morning, starting Friday 23rd Nov , (from 1 – 5pm) and Saturday 24th Nov , (from 10am – 12noon). A range of additional craft projects will be available each day . Price £15 per head and children can choose to do two different craft projects. From the following range: Beaded Tree Decorations, Christmas Garlands, Set of 4 beautiful Christmas Cards, Air dry clay ornaments, Decorating ‘edible’ tree decorations, Christmas Soaps or Bath Bombs. Last day for painting potter y, to be kiln fired ready for Christmas, is Friday 21st December 2012 www.honeypotceramics.com 0131 3336348 Kiss The Fish Kiss The Fish now have a lovely cafe area so you can treat yourself to a yummy mug of hot chocolate and a cake while you get creative! Kiss The Fish, Dean Park Street, Stockbridge
Cakes and Crafts Cakes and Crafts in Musselburgh will be running Christmas Cupcake
Decoration workshops leading up to Christmas. Check out their facebook page for times and dates. Or why not visit and decopatch some Christmas decorations? 157 North High Street, Musselburgh
this Christmas Christmas Fairs and Markets
Every Saturday during December Edinburgh’s Farmers Markets Castle Terrace www.edinburghfarmersmarket.co.uk
Saturday 1 December Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Christmas Fair Come along between 10am and 2pm to Mill House , 18N Liberton Br ae for a warm welcome and wonderful festive treats. With children’s crafts, dancing and storytelling, gift and card stalls, cakes and coffee’s there’s something for everyone. For advance bookings of dance and storytelling sessions (for 3-6 year olds) please contact the school office on 0131 446 0777.“We so enjoyed coming to your school fair in Liberton, it was such an enjoyable family event and we look forward in anticipation to next year.” - Rachel Michelson, local resident Saturday 1st December George Heriot's School Parents' Association Christmas Fair. 1pm to 4pm. Free entry. All welcome. Stalls, Santa, entertainment, Christmas goodies, bike sale and lots, lots, more. Car parking available by the Vennel £3. George Heriot's School Hall and Refectory, Lauriston Place Saturday 10th No vember 12-4pm Winter Family Fun Day Prestonpans Community Centre Lots of great stalls to pick up presents, stocking fillers or a wee gift or yourself. Face painting, craft activities, bouncy castle, home baking, teas and coffees and free taster sessions. Lots of fun for the whole family . More info www.patchworkeh32.co.uk or find us on Facebook Saturday 24th November The Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market 11am - 5pm. There really is something for ever yone: craft activities for children, storytelling and puppetr y, magical King Winter’s Grotto and the mysterious and generous ‘Pocket Lady’! New this year: experience Travellers’ Tales on the wonderful ‘Red Bus’ and tr y out traditional favourites in our ‘Vintage Fairground,’ . Start your Christmas shopping at stalls selling beautiful hand-crafted gifts,home baking, olive oil, soaps, wooden toys, Christmas Puddings and much more. An abundance of delicious food is available in a range of cafés and stalls offering everything from a sit-down hot meal to take-away wood-fired pizzas, from BBQ favourites and a warm waffle to coffee & cake Viennese café style, not forgetting the mulled wine! Should you need a retreat from all this activity you can even have a treatment in the therapies room. Start the festive season in style! Edinburgh Steiner School, Spylaw Road, Edinburgh November 25th Sick Kids Christmas Fair Meadowbank The fair will have an even bigger range of shopping with many unique stalls offering fantastic opportunities for early Christmas pressies! There will also be plenty to occupy the kids whilst you are shopping with entertainment, crafts, celebs, facepainting and a whole lot more. This a great day out for all the family! Help Sick Kids get even better and get involved!
Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December Edinburgh Christmas Charity Fayre Live Music, Refreshments, Local Products and Unique Gift Ideas. Open from 10am 6pm All welcome.Bring your family, friends, work colleagues do some early Christmas Shopping. Live Music – Refreshments – Local Products – Unique Gift Ideas. All under cover in the Edinburgh Christmas Charity Fayre Marquee in Inverleith Park ,stop awhile and have a snack / coffee and listen to the live musical entertainment . Carol Service Saturday 6.30pm all welcome and after enjoy a warm glass of mulled wine &–mince pie . Details www.challengescotland.com Make this year a great Fundraising Christmas. 1 - 6 December The Real Scottish Christmas Fair Castle Street, Edinburgh Scottish traditional and contemporar y music, samples, tastings, information, innovation and inspiration! Saturday 8th December Cancer Research are holding a Christmas Fair on from 1.15-5pm in Stoc kbridge House at 2 Cheyne Str eet Edinburgh EH4 1JB. Stalls will include locally hand made silver jeweller y and children's jeweller y, hand painted glassware, cushions, bags and scarves. Also on sale will be beautiful paintings and prints, homebaking, colour consultants, Christmas decorations and many more. Saturday 8 December Potter Around Christmas Craft Fair 12-3pm Santa will make an appearance and you can paint potter y, decopatch, make jeweller y or buy from the local crafters Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian
Traditional German
8 - 16 December The Ethical Christmas Fair Castle Street, Edinburgh With everything from eco-gadgets to Fairtrade chocolate, this market is guaranteed to make your Christmas greener than ever.
Thursday 29 No vember - Sunday 6 Januar y Traditional Highland Village Christmas Market East Princes Street Gardens
Saturday 15 December Marchmont playgroup's Christmas Fair. 2-4 pm. Stalls, Santa, raffle, home baking and lots of festive fun for all the family. Marchmont st Gilles church, 1a Kilgraston road, Marchmont, Edinburgh.
Thursday 29 No vember – Monday 24 December Christmas Market Mound precinct, Edinburgh
Hello
CKOOSHY! Ckooshy is a new on-line shop that offers colourful handmade cushions with a difference. Choose size, fabric and trim or customise it to create a unique gift with your own personal touch. Finding something special for your loved ones just got easier. Handmade by us....designed by you.
Visit us at Ckooshy.com to be inspired. 21 FAMILIES EDINBURGH ISSUE 75
Where to see Santa Sunday 25th November Santa Arrival - The biggest event of 11am.Come along for a day of family fun and festive entertainment galore as we welcome the big man in red as he takes up residence in his fabulously festive grotto. For full details please contact Dobbies Garden World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www.dobbies.com From Sunday 25th No vember to 24th December Santa’s Grotto Father Christmas is excited to meet all the good little boys and girls in his traditional grotto. The elves have also been busy preparing presents all year ready for your visit. Tickets £5 and can be booked in advance from the customer ser vice desk. For full details please contact Dobbies Gar den World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www .dobbies.com
the year!
Magic Sand Art Painting • Virtually no mess • Suitable for girls and boys 3 -12 • Suitable for special needs • Perfect for parties • A great way to keep kids entertained For more information contact clairep@kidsbeehappy.co.uk Mob: 07508 310 535 www.kidsbeehappy.co.uk
Beano the Clown Magic, Balloons, Songs & Games -5s & +5s, 1hr & 2 hr,
Tel: 07948-070 569 Web: Beano.theclown.free.fr
Christmas celebrations at Edinburgh Zoo!
Take your little ones along to Edinburgh Zoo this Christmas for a truly unique festive experience! Each Saturday morning in December, they will be hosting children’s breakfasts in the Mansion House.All children will receive a special gift from Edinburgh Zoo’s very own Panda Claus and have the opportunity to take part in a fun festive activity! On Sunday 9th December the Zoo will host their annual Christmas pantomime . Watch in amazement as Peter Pan and Wendy fly to Neverland, meet with a talking crocodile, take you to the lagoon of eternal youth and do battle with the evil Captain Hook. Sunday 9th December is also a ver y special day, as we’re celebrating the anniversar y of the pandas’ arrival at Edinburgh Zoo – their ‘Pandaversary’! There will be a selection of Christmassy arts and crafts on offer as well as the chance to win a prize as you wander around the Zoo! Please note booking for the Panda Br eakfasts is essential. For more information, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk
Enjoy a magic Christmas at Almond Valley Weekends, 1st & 2nd, 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th, 22nd & 23rd and Monday 24th December. Jolly old Santa is at home in his farmyard cottage handing out early Christmas presents. Join in Christmas crafts, meet the animals in a special winter scene and enjoy the magic of a traditional Christmas. Santa Visits and Parties for nurseries, playgroups, play schemes, company outings, and other c hildren’s groups - an ideal seasonal outing! Santa Visits can be booked for any weekday during December. Come along, meet the animals, enjoy all the usual attractions of Almond Valley and spend time making Christmas crafts in the museum. Each child will meet Santa in his cottage and receive an excellent early Christmas present. As it’s nearly Christmas, children will also enjoy a half-hour play session in Morag’ s Meadow soft play, free of charge. We regret that we are unable to offer heated accommodation for eating packed lunches. Santa visits by groups are not available at weekends. Group visits cost £4.00 per child (aged 3+) and £5.50 per adult. A 10% discount is offered to pre-booked groups of over 10 people. The Santa gift costs £3.50 per child Santa Parties provide you with all the comfort and convenience of your own party room for a two hour period. The package includes delicious party food, balloons, crackers and tooters, a half hour play session in Morag’ s Meadow soft play, and a decorated trailer ride. We can arrange for Santa to visit the party and hand out early Christmas presents; you can provide the presents yourself, or we can supply these at £3.50 each. Santa parties taking place on weekdays can opt for meeting Santa in his cottage. Parties cost £8.50 per child for a minimum of ten children. Almond Valley Heritage Centre, Millfield, Livingston, EH54 7AR tel 01506 414957, fax 01506 497771
www.almondvalley.co.uk
Treehouse
Come along to our special Christmas event, on Saturday 1st December, and you could meet Santa! He has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit all the little monkeys in Stockbridge! There is loads going on in the Treehouse including face painting, colouring in, and loads more action. Make sure you come prepared with your Christmas wish list! Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place , Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU Saturday 1 - Monday 24 December I Met Father Christmas at St Enoch, Glasgow. Includes: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Tea. Meet and greet with Father Christmas & his Elves Hamleys gift Activities & entertainment Available: Monday – Friday: Pre-school Breakfast & Tea Saturday & Sunday: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch & Tea. Each session is 1 hour Pre-school Breakfast: 10.30 – 11.30am (suitable for 2yrs-5yrs) Tea: 4.30 – 5.30pm & 6.30 – 7.30pm Breakfast & Brunch on Saturday & Sunday: 9.30-10.30am & 11.30 – 12.30pm Lunch and Tea on Saturday & Sunday: 2 – 3pm & 4 – 5pm Book online and see full terms and conditions at www.hamleys.com/Imetfatherchristmas £25 per child. Bookings must be made and paid for in adv ance.
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8th December - Santa’s Arrival www.edinburghschristmas.com 23 December Festive Fun Day 10:00-17:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Join in the Wild About Art yuletide fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something festive. Meet Santa who will be walking round the Centre to meet visitors and Tammie the Puffin. There will be festive treats, face painting and a special fun trail. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and £5.95 for concessions.Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in adv ance at www .seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS
Santa Visits - don't have time to find a good Santa to visit or just want to see your kids excitement when he comes to your house? Contact Stina Sparkles for dates and availability for santa to come to your home, work, hospital- even caravan! 07724814117 or christina.enever@yahoo.co.uk Price is £10 for the visit plus £2 for each additional child. Parties! Take the str ess out of your party ,event or function with www.stinasparkles.net We provide everything from Face Painters and Balloon Modellers to a DJ Disco and a Full party package with a bit of ever ything! With our own kids and over 10years experience in youth and children's work we Sunday 2nd December The Santa Toddle Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 1pm, know how to keep kids happy and entertained and all at a good Price!! Call us The Santa Toddle Parade starts at 1:30pm. So why not bring your little one to meet Santa. Age 6yrs today 07724814117 we book up fast. and under. Raise money for your favourite charity or just take part for fun! Entr y fee £5. Mums, Dads, Grannies and Grandads etc FREE. Each toddler will receive a toddle medal, certificate, and a Santa Goody Make a child’s Christmas with an NSPCC Letter from Santa Bag. Enter online at www.challengescotland.com Make this Christmas a truly memorable one by sending a child you know a 1st/2nd, 8th/9th and 15th/16th December 10 – 5pm Santa’s Grotto Come and meet Santa magical Letter from Santa. For a suggested donation of £5 to the NSPCC, your in his Ratho Grotto and visit the Rock Tots Playroom (the Haston suite). Includes a visit to Santa, an hour child will receive a fun, colourful and personalised letter from the man himself. in the playroom, Christmas gift, face painting, a ride in Santa's sleigh and children can make their own Every £5 raised by Letter from Santa will help ChildLine be there whenever a child seeks help either online or by phone. And every £25 raised will enable a special bag of ‘Reindeer Food’, ready to put out on Christmas Eve, in Honey Pot Ceramics. EICA Ratho trained practitioner to deliver one hour of support through the NSPCC’s helpline www.eica-ratho.com www.honeypotceramics.com for adults who are concerned about a child. The reindeer mailroom will be open Sunday 2nd December Dobbies Little Seedlings Club Christmas Party until 17 December 2012, and all those who request a Letter from Santa this The Dobbies Little Seedlings Club are dawning their glad rags and getting into the party spirit! There will year will be entered into a free prize draw to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to be fun and games for all to enjoy and a little visit from Santa. For full details please contact Dobbies Lapland for a family of four. Go to www.nspcc.org.uk/santa or alternatively Garden World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www .dobbies.com you can call 0845 839 9304 to place your order.
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Ou&tAbout
these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on All these events and more can be found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
While every care has been tak en to compile the OUT AND ABOUT section please remember that this magazine is printed weeks ahead of the events. PLEASE call and check events with the venue to a void any disappointment before setting out. If you have any events you would like listed free in this section please email them to editor@familiesedinburgh.co.uk Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday until 23 November Zoo Tots We will be hosting some fantastic activities suitable for under-fives, which we hope you will bring your little ones along to enjoy! Please note Zoo Tots is free with Zoo admission however a recommended donation of £2.00 for each event is suggested which will help us to run these fun and exciting events. Times and activities vary. For more information, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Every Wednesday during ter m time Magic Carpet 10:30 - 10:50 and 11:30 - 11:50. Free . Limited places – sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall and then meet at the Inchkeith Lighthouse Lens in the Grand Gallery. Ages 2-4. The National Museum of Scotland’s magic carpet introduces little ones to some of the fantastic things in the museum through 20 minutes of stories, songs and activities. Join us as the carpet visits a different gallery or theme ever y week. Look out for special guests too! Every Thursday during term time Magic Carpet Minis 10:30 - 10:50. Free. Limited places – sign up on the day at the Information Desk in the Entrance Hall and then meet at the Inchkeith Lighthouse Lens in the Grand Galler y. Ages 0-2. Come along for songs, stories, rhymes and objects in the unique museum setting. Every Friday during ter m time Friday Afternoon Activities 13:30 - 16:30 (drop-in). Free. Let out of school early? Make the most of your half- day Friday and come and have some fun with the National Museum of Scotland! Drop by for free activities such as Gallery Safaris, make-and-take and object handling. Check out information screens on the day for details Weekends in November Mini Makers 14:00 - 15:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Fun ‘make and do’ sessions for kids age 4 to 8. Entry to the Discover y Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS www.seabird.org Saturday 3rd No vember Halloween Family Ceilidh with CeilidhKids 2 - 4pm at St Martin's Chur ch, 232 Dalry Road EH11 2JG. Fun ceilidh dancing, games, homebaking, ice cream, refreshments, come in fancy dress! Tickets from Mary Kernohan, St Martin's Community Resource Centre mary.kernohan@stmartinsedinburgh.org.uk
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Saturday 3 November NCT Nearly New Sale 2.00-3.30pm. At Corn Exchange, Court Street, Haddington Admission: £1 per adult. 3 November Scottish Opera at Edinburgh Zoo – A Little Bit of Magic Flute. A 20 minute taste of Mozart’ s The Magic Flute. Join us for this specially written version of Mozart’s masterpiece complete with a Scottish Opera singer, musicians, colourful illustrations and a stor yteller to bring it all to life. • A Little Bit of Magic Flute will “pop up” at 11am and 12.30pm at two different locations in the zoo. • Free with zoo entr y For more infor mation, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk 4th November Fireworks Extravaganzas Scottish Love in Action (SLA) is once again hosting its explosive Fireworks Extravaganzas Event to help raise funds to feed, clothe, house, educate and provide medical care for 600 vulnerable and once-destitute children in India. Come and join us for the fantastic, family, annual event which will take place on at George Watson’s Rugby Ground, Myreside Road, Edinburgh. Tickets cost £25 for a family tic ket (2 adults, 2 c hildren aged 2-18) and £7.50 for a single ticket (under 2’ s free). Tickets are on sale online at www.sla-india.org. Sunday 4 November Art Cart 2 - 4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Free drop-in art activities for all the family led by artistsTessa Asquith-Lamb and Paula Flavell. Each month, there's something new to create inspired by different works from the collection or exhibitions. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Gallery Sunday 4th November Dobbies Little Seedlings Club - Herbilicious Herbs can be grown indoors or outdoors - a great mid autumn gardening task is planting a mini herb garden. Join Dobbies Little Seedlings Club to find out how to grow herbs that you can use for cooking – a nice seasoning for Christmas turkey. All children will plant a miniature herb garden to take home and care for . Children attending Dobbies Little Seedlings workshop must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of each workshop. Full details at www.dobbies.com Tuesday 6 November Tiny Tales: Bugs and Beasties 10am & 11.30am (40mins) £6 per child Songs and stories of ladybirds, daddy long legs and creepy crawlies! An opportunity for little ones aged 6 months to 2 years to get interactive with stories. With storyteller Mara Menzies. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Wed 7th November Make your own bunting Perfect for children's bedrooms or fireplace garlands. Workshop starts at 7.30pm and kicks off our festive mulled wine and mince pie evenings every Wednesday in November and December. Bunting can also be made to order. Please call us on 0131 229 1399 to book your place . Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh
9-11th November KnotStressed Open Weekend Therapy Taster Sessions, Demonstrations, Drop-in Workshops and Classes are free or very reduced prices! Spaces are limited to go to www.knotstressed.com to find out more about the weekend and how to book. All activities will be at our KnotStressed Clinic, 10a Blenheim Place, EH7 5JH. 10th November 11.30 -12.30 Family Tree Workshop for kids Come along and learn how to make your own family tree with Clare. Suitable for the whole family to enjoy together. These workshops are free of charge thanks to funding from Cairn Energy. Book now on 0131 663 7519. National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN T. 0131 663 7519. Every weekend 10th No vember to 9th December Garden Grow-How, Feed the Birds between 11am and 2pm. Find out some top tips about how to care for birds in your garden during the winter – from bird boxes to bird feed. For full details please contact Dobbies Gar den World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www.dobbies.com Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 No vember Life Through a Lens 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm, Real Life Science Studio , John Hope Gateway, No booking required, All ages, (Free) Using a mixture of microscopes, simple experiments and art, the endeavours of early scientists such as Robert Hooke and Theodore Schwann are explored. With the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell Biology. Saturday 10th November Winter Fair and Family Fun Day 12 - 4pm. Pr estonpans Community Centre. Lots of great stalls to pick up presents, stocking fillers or a wee gift or yourself. Face painting, craft activities, bouncy castle, home baking, teas and coffees and free taster sessions. More info www .patchworkeh32.co.uk or find us on Facebook
© Andy McGregor
Sunday 11 November Portrait Detectives! 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4 - 12) Become a Portrait Detective for the afternoon! Collect your kit, follow clues and help solve a myster y. Supported by the friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk 17th-18th November Edinburgh Youth Gaitherin workshops at the Scots Fiddle Festival 2012 EYG runs workshops for 8-18 year olds with some of the countr y’s best traditional musicians. Each class is an hour and a half and costs £6. This year we have Fiddle Beginners, a Scottish Music Taster, Mixed Instruments and Intermediate Fiddle. You can find more information and book online via our website: www.eyg.org.uk From 18 No vember Nature Photography Awards 2012 exhibition Included with entr y into the Discover y Centre Now in its seventh year the Nature Photography Exhibition 2012 showcases the shortlisted entries from this year's Scottish Seabird Centre competition. View these stunning photographs and select your winners from the everrising standard of entries. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for c hildren and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS www.seabird.org Sunday 18th No vember The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am – 1.30pm. 60 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££. Adults £1 Meado wbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk Sunday 18 November Bags of Art 2 - 4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Collect a bag of activities from the art station to help your family explore the collection and create your own artworks. Led by artists Tessa Asquith-Lamb and Louise Fraser. Supported by the Friends of the National Galleries of Scotland. Scottish National Galler y of Modern Art One Sunday 18 November Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking r equired, 5+. Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 24th No vember The Edinburgh Steiner School Christmas Market 11am - 5pm. There really is something for ever yone: craft activities for children, storytelling and puppetry, magical King Winter’s Grotto and the mysterious and generous ‘Pocket Lady’! New this year: experience Travellers’ Tales on the wonderful ‘Red Bus’ and try out traditional favourites in our ‘Vintage Fairground,’ . Start your Christmas shopping at stalls selling beautiful hand-crafted gifts, home baking, olive oil, soaps, wooden toys, Christmas Puddings and much more. An abundance of delicious food is available in a range of cafes and stalls. Spylaw Road, Edinburgh Saturday 24 November 2012 Wacky Races Experience our magical FREE family Saturday drop-in workshops and lose yourself in our eclectic mix of old toys and memories.All our drop-in sessions run between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm at Museum of Childhood, 42 High Street, Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG.
Ou&tAbout Saturday 24th No vember, 3 - 5pm Pirates and Princesses Party Make your own fabulous treasure chest or tiara. There will also be a range of pirate and princess ceramics to paint and decorate. The fun starts at 3pm Price £15 per head (includes treasure chest or tiara supplies and tea party). Booking and Pirate/ Princess outfits Essential! www.honeypotceramics.com 0131 333 6348 24th and 25th November
360 degree Cinema by the Sea
(Free!) For one weekend only you can bring the whole family to a free show in a temporar y Igloovision 360deg cinemax. Every hour on the hour from 10am until 5pm you can see surroundsound films of the natural world and tell us what you think of our plans for a permanent building. A great day out for all the family. You can get to Dunbar by train from Edinburgh in twenty minutes. There is no parking at the show site so if you w ant to drive, park at the Community Centr e, Lauderdale Park, Winterfield Park or Leisur e pool and w alk for just a few minutes through the old to wn. You will find shops, cafes, art galleries and two harbours as well as the beach and rockpools. Dress for the weather! To find out more visit: www.ourlocality.org/dunbarcoastlifecentre www.igloovision.com Sunday 25th No vember Santa Arrival - The biggest event of the year! 11am.Come along for a day of family fun and festive entertainment galore as we welcome the big man in red as he takes up residence in his fabulously festive grotto. Full details at www.dobbies.com From Sunday 25th No vember to 24th December Santa’s grotto Father Christmas is excited to meet all the good little boys and girls in his traditional grotto. The elves have also been busy preparing presents all year ready for your visit. Tickets £5 and can be booked in advance from the customer service desk. For full details please contact Dobbies Garden World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www.dobbies.com Sunday 25 No vember Meet the Ancestors - Great Scots! 2pm & 3pm (45 mins), Free Explore the past using the famous Scots in our iconic frieze as stepping stones.Your guide is historian and author Allan Burnett, who tells fascinating stories about the good, bad and ugly of Scottish history. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Sunday 25 No vember St Andrew’s “Shorts” 12:30, 13:30, 14:30, 15:30 (1hr), drop-in Bite-sized, familyfriendly, interactive snippets of Scottish history to celebrate St Andrew’s Day! National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Family panto suitable for all ages! St Serf's Church Hall, Clark Road Edinburgh on the 28th, 29th & 30th of November 2012 at 7.30pm and 1st of December at 2.00pm and 6.30pm Adults £7.00, Child, £3.00 and Family £17 (2A + 2C) Tickets available from Elliott Clark Florist, Montagu Terrace
www.stserfsplayers.org.uk
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Ou&tAbout Sunday 25th November The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am - 1.30pm 40 stalls of quality nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes and much more! (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save ££ £. Adults £1 West Lothian College , Almondvale Crescent, Livingston EH54 7EP . To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk November 25th Sick Kids Christmas Fair Meadowbank The fair will have an even bigger range of shopping with many unique stalls offering fantastic opportunities for early Christmas pressies! There will also be plenty to occupy the kids whilst you are shopping with entertainment, crafts, celebs, facepainting and a whole lot more. This a great day out for all the family!
www.edinburghsickkids.org Help Sick Kids get even better and get involved! Sunday 25th No vember Cloudberry Castle Ballet Book Party Join Janey Louise Jones (author of Princess Popp y) for a ballet-themed party to celebrate her new book, Cloudberry Castle: Ballerina Dreams., Ballet-themed treats and activities for children and refreshments for adults. Suitable for children 6 years up. Books will be available for sale and signing. 1.30 - 3.30pm at Dance Base , Grassmarket. For fr ee tickets go to www.cloudberry.eventbrite.co.uk
Thursday 27 November - 5 January Puss in Boots: a purrrfect panto Christmas w ouldn’t be the same without a trip to BruntonTheatre. A pantomime full of fun and laughter with oodles of gags, local references, chart hits, outrageous costumes and lots of singing, dancing and shouting out. Join Puss as he helps our panto Dame and her silly son battle the wicked witch and evil ogre to save the beautiful princess and make sure ever yone lives happily ever after. Puss in Boots is produced by Brunton Theatre, directed by Tim Licata and written by Philip Meeks. The cast of actors include: Stephen Docherty as Dame, Isabella Jarret, Gavin Paul, Kim Shepherd, Tom Freeman and Scott Glynn. They are joined by a chorus of talented young performers from East Lothian. Tickets are priced from £14 (£11) and ar e available on 0131 665 2240 or online at www.bruntontheatre.co.uk
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28 - 30 No vember (7.30pm) & 1 December (2pm & 6.30pm) St Serfs Players present 'Frankenstein' the Panto. Poor orphan Heidi is kidnapped by the evil if not somewhat dim, Dracula, and his deceptively decrepit grandmother Granula, and its up to Prince Ludwig to save her. Aided by Frank N. Stein, Professor Crackpot, Miss Nelly and assortment of school girls, their adventure leads them deep into Dracula's Castle. Unfortunately on the way, Frankie gets bitten by Granula. Professor Crackpot has to operate and turns the lovable ser vant into the hero Frankenstein. Accompanied by a large cast of characters, traditional pantomime songs and regular cries of 'behind you', Frankenstein the Panto promises to be entertainment for all the kids and all you big kids out there. Frankenstein the Panto is suitable for all family and is in no way scar y for younger members of the audience. Why not let St Serfs Players transport you to Pantoland this christmas for a great action packed family panto. St Serfs Church hall, Clark Road, Edinburgh Adults £7, Child £3 and family tic ket £17 (2A+2C) Tickets available online at www.stserfsplayers.org.uk
Cinderella
One day her prince will come...
29 November - 29 December Cinderella One day her prince will come... With a TV crew and a personal stylist. A 21st century tale of love and loss. A new twist on a classic tale, this Cinderella is relocated to modern-day Paris where she lives with her father and longs for the love and glamour of a rather unique Prince. Her world is shattered by the arrival of the wonderfully hilarious and awful ‘new sisters’ and their truly terrifying mother, Monique. Where is a Fairy Godmother when you need one? Featuring original songs sung live by the cast, with magic, spells and lots of laughs, the Lyceum will deliver another high quality production to delight families this Christmas. www.lyceum.org.uk/cinderella Box Office 0131 248 4848
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All these events and more can becan found our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk All these events and more beon found on our website www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
29th November – 2nd January Edinburgh’s Christmas From an outdoor ice-rink o vershadowed by Edinburgh Castle, to Ger man markets and a dazzling fair ground find out more at www.edinburghschristmas.com Thursday 29th November Light Night starting at 5pm. Christmas Lights switch on, performance and fireworks. For full details go to www.edinburghschristmas.com Weekends in December Mini Makers 14:00 - 15:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Fun ‘make and do’ sessions for kids age 4 to 8. Entry to the Disco very Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for children and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in adv ance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS From Saturday 1st December Santa Breakfast and supper £9.95 per c hild. Santa will be ho-ho-hosting breakfast and suppers in our restaurants and he’ll even be taking part in Christmas party games – what a guy! For full details please contact Dobbies Gar den World Edinburgh on 0131 663 1941 or visit our website www.dobbies.com Saturday 1 December Edinburgh Montessori Arts School Christmas Fair Come along between 10am and 2pm to Mill House , 18N Liberton Br ae for a w arm welcome and w onderful festive treats. With children’s crafts, dancing and stor ytelling, gift and card stalls, cakes and coffee’s there’s something for everyone. For advance bookings of dance and stor ytelling sessions (for 3-6 y ear olds) please contact the school office on 0131 446 0777. “We so enjoyed coming to your school fair in Liberton, it was such an enjoyable family event and we look forward in anticipation to next year .” - Rachel Michelson, local resident Saturday 1 December to Sunday 20 Januar y 2013 Mother Goose A magical stor y of the goose that lays golden eggs...a fairy tale of loyalty, friendship and virtue over vanity...and an EGG load of laughs! Tickets can be booked on 0131 529 6000 or online at www.kingstheatre.org.uk Kings Theatre, Edinburgh
Saturday 1 December Stories Allways - Telling tales for children’s well-being Launch event 6.30pm (Free). Live performance 7.30pm (1hr) £6/£4 7+ The Stories Allways pack features a range of engaging, traditional stories which cover various life issues suitable for anyone working with children. Book launch followed by live stories and music in the Netherbo w Theatre. Part of the inaugur al Book Week Scotland. Saturday 1 December Hands Up for Trad: Scotland Sings 14:30 (45mins), drop-in. Gaelic choirs of all ages come together for a special concert to celebrate language and song in Scotland. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Saturday 1st December George Heriot's School Parents' Association Christmas Fair.1pm to 4pm. Free entry. All welcome. Stalls, Santa, entertainment, Christmas goodies, bike sale and lots, lots, more. Car parking available by the Vennel £3. George Heriot's School Hall and Refectory, Lauriston Place Saturday 1 December Make Some Handmade Christmas Decorations Inspired by the prints and patterns in the museum, make your own Christmas tags, paper and decorations. 10.30am - 12.30pm or 1.30pm 3.30pm. Free. Museum of Edinburgh. Suitable for ages 5+. Advance booking is essential. For further information and to book, contact Mar garet Findlay on 0131 529 3963/2 or 529 5212. Saturday 1st December Special Christmas Event at Treehouse Come along and and you could meet Santa! He has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit all the little monkeys in Stockbridge! There is loads going on in the Treehouse including face painting, colouring in, and loads more action. Make sure you come prepared with your Christmas wish list! Treehouse, 10-12 Hamilton Place , Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU Saturday 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd December Panda Breakfasts at Edinburgh Zoo Head along to Edinburgh Zoo this festive season! Each Saturday morning in the lead up to Christmas, Edinburgh Zoo will be hosting special breakfasts just for children in the Mansion House. Edinburgh Zoo’s very own Panda Claus will be on hand to give each child a special gift. As well as this there will also be a fun festive activity to join in with! 10am-11.30am £15 per child Booking for this event is essential. To reserve a place call 0131 314 0334. For more infor mation, visit www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Saturday 1 - Monday 24 December I Met Father Christmas at Hamleys St Enoch, Glasgow. £25 per child. Bookings must be made and paid for in advance. Includes: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch or Tea. Meet and greet with Father Christmas & his Elves Hamleys gift Activities & entertainment Each session is 1 hour. Book online and find out times at www.hamleys.com/Imetfatherchristmas Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd December Edinburgh
Christmas Charity Fayre Live Music, Refreshments, Local Products and Unique Gift Ideas. Open from 10am 6pm All welcome. All under co ver in the Edinbur gh Christmas Charity Fayre Mar quee in Inverleith Park. Make this year a great Fundraising Christmas. Sunday 2nd December The Santa Toddle Santa arrives in Inverleith Park at 1pm, The Santa Toddle Parade starts at 1:30pm. Age 6yrs and under . Entry fee £5. Mums, Dads, Grannies and Gr andads etc FREE. Eac h toddler will r eceive a toddle medal, certificate, and a Santa Goody Bag. www.challengescotland.com Sunday 2 December A Braw Bit o' Bling! 2-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Create beautiful gifts and decorations inspired by precious medals, miniatures and bling-tastic jeweller y! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Sunday 2nd December Dobbies Little Seedlings Club Christmas Party The Dobbies Little Seedlings Club are dawning their glad rags and getting into the party spirit! There will be fun and games for all to enjoy and a little visit from Santa. Full details at www.dobbies.com Friday 7 December Epilepsy Scotland Christmas Concert Greyfriars Kirk. Enjoy an evening of Christmas music, opera and seasonal carols. With the beautiful voices of Jennifer McEwan, Adam Magee accompanied by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Canongait we are in for a treat. Round the evening off with drinks and nibbles while you meet and mingle with the performers. Tickets cost £20. To book call 0141 427 4911 and ask for Helen. All profits stay in Scotland and go to help the w ork we do for the 54,000 children and adults living with epilepsy. Saturday 8th December Christmas Fair Cancer Research are holding a Christmas Fair 1.15-5pm in Stockbridge House at 2 Cheyne Str eet Edinburgh EH4 1JB. Stalls will include locally hand made silver jewellery and children's jewellery, hand painted glassware, cushions, bags and scarves and much more © Andy McGregor
Saturday 8 December Edinburgh Youth Choir 1-1.30pm. A festive, seasonal concert performed by Edinburgh Youth Choir. Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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Ou&tAbout Saturday 8 December Starlight Saturdays 1.30-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Join storyteller Fiona MacDonald to hear magical stories inspired by our ceiling of stars and then create your own glittering star masterpiece! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 8 December Potter Around Christmas Craft Fair 12 - 3pm Santa will make an appearance and you can paint pottery, decopatch, make jeweller y or buy from the local crafters Potter Around, Overton Farm, Kirknewton, West Lothian Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 December Festive Feathered Friends 12.30pm - 3.30pm, Real Life Science Studio , John Hope Gatew ay, No booking r equired, Ages 5+, (Free) Using natural and recycled materials create a beautiful bird decoration to add to your Christmas tree.Some use of tools. With Greengage Arts. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Sunday 9 December Sangstream Choir Christmas Performance 1.00 pm - 3.00 pm, John Hope Gateway (1pm) and Palm House (2.30pm), No booking required, All. They will be singing traditional and contemporar y Scots songs, and traditional songs from around the world alongside some Christmas songs. Royal Botanic Gar den Edinburgh Sunday 9 December Nutcracker Festive Family Day 12:30 - 16:00, drop-in. An afternoon of festive fun inspired by Scottish Ballet’s winter production The Nutcracker. Take part in a ballet taster or make a decoration to take home. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Sunday 9th December The Jack & Jill Market 10.30am - 1.30pm 60 stalls of quality, nearly-new baby & kids clothes, cots, toys, buggies, bikes, and all the rest (0-9 yrs) Snap up great BARGAINS and save £££ Adults £1 Meadowbank Leisure Centre, London Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7AE. To book a stall visit: www.jackandjillmarket.co.uk
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9th December Pantomine and Pandaversary at Edinburgh Zoo Come to Edinburgh Zoo and be transported to an enchanting and magical world in a wonderful adaptation of Peter Pan. Watch in amazement as Peter Pan and Wendy fly to Neverland, meet with a talking crocodile, take you to the lagoon of eternal youth and do battle with the evil Captain Hook. This swashbuckling adventure of Peter Pan will have you riveted to your seats. This is also a ver y special day, as we’re celebrating the anniversar y of the pandas being at Edinburgh Zoo – their ‘Pandaversary’! You will find some special presents hiding around the zoo for you to find and keep, and you’ll have a chance to take part in some Christmassy arts and crafts too. Performances are free with zoo entr y on a first come first served basis Perfor mances at 11.30am and 2.30pm Performances last 70 minutes with a 10 minute interval Suitable for children of all ages www.edinburghzoo.org.uk Sunday 9 December Portrait Detectives Christmas Stocking Thriller! 2 - 4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Become a portrait detective and help hunt the missing stockings! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Thursday 13 to Sun 30 December The Snowman Featuring Howard Blake’ s beautiful Walking In the Air, performed by a live orchestra, choreographed by Robert North and directed by Bill Alexander, this is the perfect Christmas treat for all the family. Festival Theatre, Edinburgh BOX OFFICE: 0131 529 6000 edtheatres.com/festival Groups (8+): 0131 529 6005 Thursday 13th December Dobbies Festive Foodies 5pm - 8pm. Perfect for giving food lovers festive inspiration. Entry £1 and includes a welcome drink and mince pie. All ticket proceeds will be donated to CLIC Sar gent. Full details at www.dobbies.com
these events and morecan canbe be found found on AllAll these events and more on
Friday 14 December Lapin Wants to See Santa 11am & 3pm (40mins) £8/£6 (£24 – Family of 4) 3+ 2 performances in one special day to suit nurseries, schools and families! 'It's Christmas! The lovely French rabbit Lapin has decided to invite Santa for a hot chocolate. But will Papa Noël have time to accept his invitation?.. To find out, join Lapin and his garden friends in their fun and interactive Christmas adventure.' *performed in English with French keywords carefully scattered throughout the stor y. *No knowledge of French needed * Links to the Curriculum for Excellence. Tickets from: 0131 556 95 79 or www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk FOR SPECIAL NURSERY/SCHOOLS GROUPS DISCOUNTS , please contact: Daniel Abercrombie on 0131 652 3273 or at daniel @ scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh
nour ourwebsite websitewww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk www.familiesedinburgh.co.uk
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Saturday 15 December Each Peach Pear Plum 11am & 3pm (45mins) £8/£6 (£24 – Family of 4) 3+ Songs and music bring to life a variety of nurser y rhyme characters played by a wide range of puppets,all on their way to Mother Hubbard’s for some Plum Pie. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Saturday 15 December Starlight Saturdays 1.30-4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Join storyteller Fiona MacDonald to hear magical stories inspired by our ceiling of stars and then create your own glittering star masterpiece! Scottish National Portrait Gallery Saturday 15 December Christmas Capers Join in the festive fun by creating your own Christmas wreaths. Experience our magical FREE family Saturday drop-in workshops and lose yourself in our eclectic mix of old toys and memories. All our drop-in sessions run between 10.30am-12.30pm and 1.30-3.30pm at Museum of Childhood,42 High Street Saturday 15 - Sunday 16 December Dewar Arts Award: Meet the Artists Event for Families 12.30 pm - 3.30 pm, Real Life Science Studio, No booking required, All ages, (Free) This family friendly event allows visitors of all ages to explore the creative process of young designers, painters, jewellers and more. Participate in activities to get your creative juices flowing. With Dewar Arts. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh Saturday 15 December Marchmont Playgroup's Christmas fair. 2-4 pm. Stalls, Santa, raffle, home baking and lots of festive fun for all the family . Marchmont St Gilles church, 1a Kilgraston road, Marchmont, Edinburgh. December 15th Christmas Artsparks 10am - 4pm . A fun and seasonal crafty workshop making beautiful decorations and gifts from recycled and found objects. Enormous fun and essential free time for last minute shopping! £40 including all materials 5 to 10 year olds Jupiter Artland, Bonnington House steading , Nr Wilkieston Edinburgh, EH27 8BBt: 01506 889900 w: www.jupiterartland.org Saturday 15 December Potters Wheel Edinburgh: the home of stoneware. Make your own design based on stoneware found in the museum. Royal Mile, Edinburgh EH1 1TG. 10.30am - 12.30pm. Free. We will use either air dry clay or pre-formed crockery to create your own family heirloom. Drop in session with our Visitor Assistants Linzi Bootman and Ruby Tulloch. Museum of Edinburgh Sunday 16 December Christmas Choirs 13:00 –16:00, drop-in Get into the festive spirit with concerts from local choirs. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Sunday 16 December Talking Trees Storytelling 2.00 pm - 3.30 pm, Patrick Geddes Room, First Floor, John Hope Gateway, No booking required, 5+, Let the Talking Trees transport you to another place with their stories from around the world. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Sunday 16 December Just Add Glitter... 2 - 4pm, Free (Ages 4-12) Be inspired to create your own beautiful festive artworks to take home with you. Scottish National Portrait Gallery Friday 21 December Christmas Story Kist: Inclusive Storytelling 11am (1hr) £5/£3 (£14 – Family of 4) All Ages. Come and enjoy some cosy Christmas stories around the tree with stor ytellers Ailie Finlay and Marie Louise Cochrane. Tales of snowy forests and warm kitchens, elves, tomtes and mittens... multi-sensory stories and games with props and puppets and lots of joining-in. Fun for everyone, but particularly for children with additional needs, their families, friends and carers. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh
© Andy McGregor
Saturday 22 (11am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm) & Sunday 23 December (11am & 2.30pm) Twinkle Bell (45mins) £8/£6 (£24 - Family of 4) 3-6. It’s Christmas Eve and poor Twinkle Bell is lost. Join this special fairy on a magical adventure through the forest in an interactive Christmas show by Clare McGarry, especially created for little ones with magical puppets, music and song. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh Saturday 22nd December 2pm & 6pm Cinderella Magical theatre is what M&M Theatrical Productions does best and this classic children's pantomime, Cinderella, is no exception. This wonderful piece of children's theatre will have the audience, crying, laughing and booing at the stage. It truly is a magical experience. Suitable for children aged 4 -14 years. £7.50 adult, £4.50 child concession - tickets available now on 0131 663 7519. National Mining Museum Scotland, Lady Victoria Colliery, Newtongrange, Midlothian, EH22 4QN 23 December Festive Fun Day 10:00-17:00, included with entr y into the Discovery Centre Join in the Wild About Art yuletide fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something festive. Meet Santa who will be walking round the Centre to meet visitors and Tammie the Puffin. There will be festive treats, face painting and a special fun trail. Entry to the Discovery Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for c hildren and £5.95 for concessions. Family tic kets are also a vailable. Book tic kets online in adv ance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre, The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS
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Ou&tAbout
All on these andwww.familiesedinburgh.co.uk All these events and more can be found ourevents website
23 December Wild About Art 13:00-15:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Join in the Wild About Art fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something amazing from recycled, scrap and natural material. Entry to the Disco very Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for c hildren and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre , The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS
Tuesday 25 December -
Merry Christmas! Thursday 27- Sunday 30 December Christmas Art Competition 10:30 - 16:30, drop-in. This popular annual drawing competition is open to all ages and abilities. Which museum scene or object will bring out the budding artist in you? Paper and pencils supplied – if you wish to use colour , please bring your own materials. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Monday 31 December Jack Martin’s Magic Mayhem: Daft Days Special 12pm (1hr) £5/£3 (£14 – Family of 4) 4+ Join Edinburgh’s own puppeteer, storyteller, and Lord of Misrule, Jack Martin in a feast of all age family fun. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Str eet, Edinburgh Monday 31 December Hogmanay Family Ceilidh 14:00 (1.5hrs), drop-in. Enjoy an afternoon of whirling and birling to welcome the New Year with the Canongate Cadjers Ceilidh Band. It’s enthusiasm not experience that counts! National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF Tuesday 1 January 2013
Sunday 23rd December Festive Funday! Come along and spend a glittertastic shimmering time painting Christmas decorations in acr ylic perfect for your tree or table. It is our last day to pick up your potter y before Christmas as we will be Closed for a fortnight from the 24th Dec . Doodles, 29 Marchmont Crescent, Edinburgh
Monday 24 December Stories Round the Tree 1pm & 3pm (45mins) £5 / £3 (£14 – Family of 4) 4+ Join storyteller Tim Porteus for a magical Christmas Eve afternoon of wintry tales and music, all gathered round the wonderful Christmas tree in the Stor ytelling Court. Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh
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Friday 28 December Soldiers and Snowflakes Ballet Workshops £6 – book now on 0300 123 6789Take part in dance workshops inspired by Scottish Ballet’ s winter production The Nutcracker. There are workshops for different age groups, from parent and toddler to nine-year -olds. No experience necessary. Visit www.nms.ac.uk/families for details. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF 29 December Wild About Art 13:00 - 15:00, included with entry into the Discovery Centre Join in the Wild About Art fun with Alchemy Arts and get stuck in to create something amazing from recycled, scrap and natural material. Entry to the Disco very Centre is £7.95 for adults, £4.95 for c hildren and £5.95 for concessions. Family tickets are also available. Book tickets online in advance at www.seabird.org Scottish Seabird Centre , The Harbour, North Berwick, EH39 4SS
Saturday 29 December Soldiers and Snowflakes Ballet Workshops £6 – book now on 0300 123 6789Take part in dance workshops inspired by Scottish Ballet’ s winter production The Nutcracker. There are workshops for different age groups, from parent and toddler to nine-year -olds. No experience necessary. Visit www.nms.ac.uk/families for details. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
Happy New Year! Tuesday 1 January It’s Your Lucky Day! 1.30pm (3hrs) Free. Family fun as part of a search for New Year luck through our city of charms and treasures! Scottish Storytelling Centre, High Street, Edinburgh. Full details will be announced in Edinbur gh’s Hogmanay programme www.edinburghshogmanay.com Thursday 3 & Friday 4th Januar y 2013 Soldiers and Snowflakes Ballet Workshops £6 – book now on 0300 123 6789 Take part in dance workshops inspired by Scottish Ballet’s winter production The Nutcracker. There are workshops for different age groups, from parent and toddler to nine-year-olds. No experience necessary. Visit www.nms.ac.uk/families for details. National Museum of Scotland, Chambers Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1JF
8 - 12 Januar y The Nutcracker An enchanted dolls' house, an evil governess, and a nutcracker who may just be a handsome prince in disguise - this winter, prepare to enter a magical new world... Following on from the hugely successful productions Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty comes a revival of The Nutcracker, a sweet yet deliciously sharp take on ETA Hoffman's original stor y Nutcracker and the King of Mice. This fresh and vivid retelling of the famous Christmas story features stunning sets and costumes, breathtaking choreography and Tchaikovsky's sumptuous score performed live by the Scottish Ballet Orchestra. Festival Theatre Edinburgh Book online at www.edtheatres.com
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Copyright Š Families Magazine 2012. We take every care preparing this magazine, but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence. Colour transparencies and any other original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families Edinburgh nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage. Families Edinburgh is part of the Families group, established in 1990 and headed by Families South West. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Copyright Š on all artwork designed by Families shall remain with Families or contributor.