Issuu

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Inco rporating Perth & Kinross

Come rain or shine Families has the summer sorted…

Pick up your copy in…

the really useful magazine and website for families in the fife region Issue 26 • July/Aug 2014

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Also including: Featured clubs and classes and our new column, It’s a Wonderful Fife…

Dunfermline  Glenrothes  Kirkcaldy  Perth  Kinross  Cupar  St Andrews or a village in between

Contents

Inco rporating Perth & Kinross

Now booking…

he Edinburgh International Book Festival is back this year and runs from 9 to 25 August. Promised is a feast of world-class literary talent for adults and children in the leafy green space of Charlotte Square Gardens in the heart of the historic city. Why not take a bus and make a day of it? Best selling authors will appear alongside over 40 debut novelists to entertain and enthral. There are plenty events for everyone to enjoy including

many from the Baillie Gifford’s Children’s Programme such as the Flumflums and Flying Baths with Julia Donaldson, Ruby Redfort with Lauren Child and Darren Shan: ZOM-B Continues as well as many, many more. See enclosed leaflet for details and times.  All events take place in Charlotte Square Gardens. The full programme can be found at www.edbookfest.co.uk. Tickets will be on sale from 24 June 2014, call 0845 373 5888 or book online at www.edbookfest.co.uk

his summer, Puffin Books is bringing twenty timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation of readers to discover. From Charlotte’s Web, the story of a spider and a pig who become best pals, to Goodnight Mister Tom — all about a young boy from London who’s evacuated during World War II to stay with the grumpy but kind-hearted Mister Tom — these treasured books have all stood the test of time and are now set to capture the imagination of children everywhere, with lovely new covers and packed full of fun facts and activities! 

Amazing challenge

ibraries across Fife invite all children aged 4 – 11 to take part in the Summer Reading Challenge 2014. Read six library books throughout the holidays to collect free prizes and rewards along the way. The theme this year is Mythical Maze so join up, read some fantastic books and collect great prizes. Lots of libraries will be joining in the fun with mythical themed craft sessions. You can look forward to the delights of Zoolab, Crazy Clay Crafts, Mythical Bookbug, Dazzling Dragons, Messy Nessie, Shadow Puppets

2 | Families Fife Issue 26

and much, much more. Session dates, times and prices vary, so please contact your local library for more details. The challenge is offered in partnership with The Reading Agency and Tesco Bank. It runs from Monday 30th June to Sunday 31st August, with mythical activity sessions being held throughout the summer holidays.  To book your place or find out more, contact your local library or visit www.fifedirect.org. uk/libraries and search for Summer Reading Challenge. Dates also at www.familiesfife.co.uk

Welcome to Families Fife

Who, What, Where, When Introducing our new thoughtful column It’s a Wonderful Fife, from Sharon Gilfillan

Education and childcare Childcare and back to school concerns

Seven weeks of summer Hear from The Fife Challenge, and the Time to Explore campaign – it’s sounds like a lot of fun and it’s free. Discover the Hill of Tarvit Mansionhouse and many more local attractions besides.

Local clubs and classes By day and area

Clubs and classes News and updates

Out and about There’s so much on that seven weeks may not be enough!

Editor: Susan Kirkwood, editor@familiesfife.co.uk Tel: 01383 735938 or 07734 289 143 Cover image: © World Jampionships Design: White Creative www.whitecreativecompany.co.uk Circulation: 12,000 copies printed. Distributed free of charge throughout Fife, Perth and Kinross by kind permission of Fife Libraries, Fife Leisure Centres, antenatal clinics, health visitors, surgeries, community use schools, Theatres in Fife and Perth, places of historic interest, local attractions, selected shops and playgroups and play centres. Print: J Thomson. Due care was taken to source print and other services required to produce this magazine from within the local area.

NEXT ISSUE: Sept - Oct 2014 Booking deadline: 28 July 2014, Out: 25 Aug 2014

Families Fife© is a part of a larger group of magazines headed by Families SW London©. All franchised magazines are independently owned and operated under license. 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 consequences. Any original materials submitted for publication are sent at owner’s own risk and, while every care is taken, neither Families nor its agents accept liability for loss or damage.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Kirkcaldy Explorer challenge kicks off

ere we are again at walking, cycling, scooting or public transport ummer finally seems to be here, it is great that wonderful you get a stamp. The aim is to collect 6 stamps to welcome the bright mornings and long from different locations. After the holidays, evenings back. With all this extra daylight it time of the year once we have collected all the cards you is the perfect time to get out and about in with over 7 will be entered into a prize draw to win a and around your local area. It is also the ideal weeks of British fabulous prize. We will be visiting schools time to start travelling more actively to work, Summer time school and for any ahead of us. At of your daily short this point, we are still in blissful journeys. denial of the fact that it will Make your Move Kirkcaldy has lots of most likely be another summer practical ways we of brollies at the Book Festival can help you do this. and sou’westers at the summer We can offer cycling camps, as we arrange outdoor training to small outings with school mums and groups, we teach basic chums and book that bouncy bike maintenance castle for July with our fingers and you can borrow a bike for free for a duly crossed. Bring it on. Even month to give cycling if, and it is still an if, at the time a try before you buy a of writing, the summer doesn’t bike. There are lots of Seeking deliverDesperately on it’s first promise, there before summer to give more details about the details on the website so have a look and get (another) will always be the Susan trappings of Kirkcaldy Explorer Challenge.  in touch. FamiliesThink magazine is e x p a n d i n g … the season. strawberries, During the summer school holidays There’s never been a better time to and I need help to make it happen. salads,The BBQs, galas, Highland we will be running the Kirkcaldy Explorer get active. For more information visit ideal person will most likely be a mum Challenge for the pupils of Kirkcaldy’s primary www.makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk, Games, International Book [or gran], who’s always considered running schools. The idea is that whenever you visit facebook/makeyourmovekirkcaldy, @ Festivals, Multi-Sport camps, her own franchise but has perhaps been one of the attractions on the postcard you MYMKirkcaldy or email Rachel at Info@ put off by the associated Outdoor Activity camps,costs. tripsWorking to receive from your school, travelling there by makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk for Families Fife, you won’t have to incur the beach, picnics, long evenings any financial outlay, or be responsible for of outdoor play, cycle rides, covering any franchise fees. All you need World Jampionships! tennis... Oh and the midges, the is love. Of Families magazine that is, a stress passion of finding good, affordable ur cover image this issue comes courtesy of the World Jampionships - the annual quest for print, a way with words and a to find the worlds best jam makers. childcare, the frantic search great telephone manner. You’ll also need the Making jam is something that everyone can get involved in. And there’s never been for theconfidence last short sleeve school to sell advertising and develop a better time for children to get started as this year junior jam-makers can take part in a own brand new territory. Sound blouseyour in August... category of their own. Jam making doesn’t have to be complicated and most jams can be exciting?  Enjoy our summer!  made in under an hour. To take part, check out the categories at www.worldjampionships.

Susan Kirkwood, Editor

com. Closing date 15 August and jams can be posted or dropped off at several UK points. Winners will be announced at Dundee Food & Flower Festival on 6 September 2014. A donation of proceeds from entries will be donated to children’s charities, When you Wish Upon a Star and Tayside children with Cancer and Leukaemia.  Full details www.worldjampionships.com or visit the headline sponsors at www.mackays.com

Go explore...

Desperately Seeking (another) Susan Families magazine is e x p a n d i n g … and I need help to make it happen. The ideal person will most likely, be a parent or grandparent who’s always considered running their own franchise but has perhaps been put off by the associated costs. Working for Families Fife, you won’t have to incur any financial outlay, or be responsible for covering any franchise fees. All you need is love. Of Families magazine that is, a passion for print, a way with words and a great telephone manner. You’ll also need the confidence to sell advertising and develop your own brand new territory. Sound exciting?  Call Susan on 01383 735938 for an informal chat.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

...for free

. family bike rides . borrow a bike . essential cycle skills . bike maintenance classes . Dr Bike sessions for more information, visit makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk or contact Rachel T: 07824 628 491 E: info@makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk www.makeyourmovekirkcaldy.co.uk

@mymkirkcaldy

facebook.com/makeyourmovekirkcaldy

Issue 26 Families Fife | 3

4 | Families Fife Issue 26

www.familiesfife.co.uk

News: Who, What, Where, When …

It’s a Wonderful Fife Local Kirkcaldy mum and Families blogger Sharon Gilfillan has her ear permanently to the ground as she walks the daily tightrope to balance work and life as a parent in the Kingdom. In her new print column, Sharon will highlight local issues and share our common concerns.

Just how accessible are our schools on foot?

fter completing yet another annual travel survey for the school, I just wonder how this information will be used successfully? Both my children walk (we live too close not to) but what about the children and parents who don’t? This is a hot topic in certain parts of the Kingdom, where pressure on school roles has lead to the rezoning of catchment areas so it is now quite possible that children live over a mile from their school. How safe is it to walk? Are we too protective of our children, not allowing them to walk alone or with friends to school? Or are our children too pampered, used to jumping in the car for a 5 minute journey rather than walk 15 minutes? Granted, there are a few parents who arrive at school late, speeding and who then attempt to double park (or simply throw their children out en route). The continued text messages from school requesting parents to park safely and legally are not sufficient to encourage parents to leave the car at home. A Kirkcaldy primary school recently took the decision to block access to their car park for pupil safety and provided a safe drop off zone a few hundred yards down the road, which according to some parents, was too far away! The recent attempt by our school to have parking wardens in wait at the school gate did make a difference, but only when the wardens were visible! We are all busier now and drop off at school is only the start of most parents’ daily journey, thus factoring time to walk isn’t always practical. Currently Fife Council provides free

transport (bus or taxi) to all primary school pupils living more than one mile and all secondary pupils living more than two miles from their catchment area school. This is fantastically generous considering the legal entitlement to free transport to school is for children under 8 years who live more than 2 miles or over 8 years who live more than 3 miles from their catchment schools. Therefore the majority of children within catchment should be more than able to walk to school and with nearly 90% of Fife schools having cycle parking, there really is no excuse for driving the kids to school. Confidence and capability go hand in hand with children enjoying the freedom of not being cocooned in metal and having to take in the view through tinted glass at 20mph. They have the opportunity to explore their environment whilst ambling along in the morning arriving at school less stressed and have time to reflect on their walk home. The health benefits of this daily exercise are obvious, as is the financial positive - walking is free. These benefits cannot be enjoyed unless schools and the Council are prepared to make radical changes, which they absolutely seem to be, with their School Travel Plan development. This 6 step guide assists pupils setting up their own School Travel Action Group (TAG), forming a travel plan making the school journey safer for everyone. Involving pupils, parents and the local community provides a real opportunity to look at safe and sufficient drop zones, well highlighted cycle routes and adequate crossing patrols. There is a genuine realisation we need to tackle these issues prior to a tragedy necessitating them. 

Make money at your local Jack & Jill Market

rying to work out how much you will spend on your child’s first ten years, is like sitting down with a calculator and attempting to define just how long that proverbial piece of string really is. Parental choice clearly has an enormous impact on the cost of raising our little ones, but whether comfortably off or just scraping by, few families would deny that being a parent is a costly business. Never more than in these challenging times, have savvy Mums and Dads sought out new and resourceful ways to make and save money, while doing their level best for their little ones, not to mention the environment. The Jack & Jill Market offers a welcome return to the oldfashioned shopping experience. Shoppers can see and touch the goodies and enjoy friendly service all in a vibrant atmosphere. On the flip side, sellers get to see their kids’ nearly news go to good homes and make some extra money adding to the family income. Book a stall today at one of our up and coming events and sell on your quality nearlynew baby and or kids’ items (0-9yrs) and keep 100% of what you make. Top sellers to date have made over £800.  To book a stall or to find out more visit www. jackandjillmarket.co.uk

Contact Roz roz@ yogabellies.co.uk to book for Birth ROCKS antenatal classes. Next 2 day course for birth preparation at Synergy Centre, August 9th and 16th 1-5pm. Find details of my Birth ROCKS workshops/ events at www. synergycentre.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Issue 26 Families Fife | 5

Education and Childcare School’s out! Are you looking for childcare during the summer?

uring the school holidays, it can be difficult to arrange childcare that suits you, your work and your family. But, a childminder could offer you a flexible solution… Childminders provide a flexible, quality childcare service that can be tailored to fit your needs. Each childminder is self-employed, which means they can provide childcare that

suits different work patterns. Whether you are a parent who works full-time, part-time, shifts, term-time or even at weekends - a childminder could be the answer. Children of all ages are able to play and socialise during the school holidays, and many childminders take advantage of summer break to organise extended outings for their minded children. With day trips to

Fife Schoolwear’s guide to summer planning

une is the time to be planning a visit to the Fife Schoolwear store in Kirkcaldy, especially for new P1's. Our 90 day size exchange for unworn garments lets you avoid worrying, should your child take an unexpected growth spurt before school. So get organised and buy now! We have garments to fit all children and all our staff are expertly trained in sizing. While in store why don’t you check out our Dancewear, Guide and Scout Association wear or our expanding Workwear range? July - now is the time to be finalising your choice of your purchases. You should also be starting to get the last minute items which are easily forgotten - gym shoes (available in black or white). Most schools

now specify that these are worn at all times and ours start from £4.50. Remember, if your child grows before they wear the garment, you have 90 days to swap them! Another important item is labels for all your child’s garments - 50 iron-on name labels are only £3.99! August - relax and enjoy the big day. All your purchases are done and you can avoid the traditional Back To School rush!  Remember we are open all year round and able to provide help and assistance call us on 01592 269 282, email shop@fifeschoolwear.com, like us on Faceboo k (www.facebook.com/ fifeschoolwearanduniforms) or pop in and see us at 36 High Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1LU.

the seaside, the zoo, a museum, the country park, the theme park or playing games at the local swing park, a childminder could make your child’s summer holidays the best ever – whatever the weather! With a Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) childminder, your child will benefit from a range of important developmental experiences all within a nurturing and safe family home-based childcare setting. Childminders are recognised for their ability to create a child-focused environment, which will ensure the needs of your child are met. Selecting the correct childcare option for your child is important, and that’s why SCMA has dedicated a section of its website especially for parents. ‘Choose a Childminder’ allows you to search for childminders in your area, understand their legal requirements and read our top five tips for choosing a childminder.  Find out if there is a SCMA childminder with vacancies in your area this summer with the Childminder Search Service at childminding.org

Educational news flash! Step Ahead Tutoring and Educational Services recently celebrated their 300th successful candidate in to independent schools. This – helping youngsters prepare for and secure places in private schools - is one of the areas of expertise carried out by the leading teacher tutoring organisation.  www.stepaheadtuition.com

Looking for labels?

abels4Kids continues the expansion of the website to improve the ordering process. Your ordering process will be much faster and smoother this year. Not only can you design your vinyl order on screen now, but postage is free for orders of £20 or more and they have a 100% money back guarantee if you have any problems with your labels. Labels4Kids offers such a large tried and tested amount of labels that there is something for everyone. Follow them on facebook, pinterest, twitter or flickr and sign up their blog. Labels4Kids care, because kids DO lose stuff! 

Fife Schoolwear & Uniforms

Looking for childcare that suits you, your family and your bank balance?

Flexible Affordable Professional

Fife’s trusted local supplier of schoolwear & uniforms

SCMA childminders provide a quality childcare service built around you. Find your nearest SCMA childminder using our Childminder Search Service or if you’re interested in Becoming a Childminder contact June Lyall, Fife Childminding Development Officer on june.lyall@childminding.org or call 01592 756986.

www.childminding.org 6 | Families Fife Issue 26

36 High Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1LU

01592 269 282 shop@fifeschoolwear.com www.familiesfife.co.uk

Nursery News Graduation day

On the 24th July the pre-school children at Lauriston Nursery in Dunfermline will say goodbye to their nursery years at their graduation ceremony. The children will be sent off in style with songs, funny anecdotes about each child and a slide show of their time at the nursery. Staff will be very sad to say goodbye to the children and we are sure there will be many tears shed by all who attend. The nursery wishes all the children the very best with their journey onto school and wishes them good luck.

Nursery comes of age

Saturday 10th June saw Rascals nursery in Cowdenbeath celebrate it’s 21st birthday. The event was celebrated indoors as the weather had not been promising in the run up to the event. Staff celebrated with children with fun activities including Cake and Candy, Tombola, Guess the Teddy Bears Birthday, Guess the weight of the cake, Guess how many sweets in the jar, Splat the Rat, Lucky Dip, Hot Dogs & Burgers. Happy Faces provided face painting. Kenny the Clown entertained the children throughout the event. Rascals extends a warm thanks to everyone that supported the event. 

Kumon – make study a habit A

pparently it takes 6 to 8 weeks to form a new habit. Whether that’s jogging before breakfast every morning or writing a daily blog, it will feel like a slog for those first 6 to 8 weeks and won’t feel like a natural part of your routine until you’ve been doing it regularly for 6 to 8 weeks. So when the kids go back to school in August it takes 6 to 8 weeks for their study routines to be re-established and for the brain cells to spark as quickly as before. By which time, of course, there is another holiday to break the routine… At Kumon, we don’t take time off in the summer, or October, or any other holiday time. Kumon is a year-round daily study programme, whether for maths or for English. Children studying with Kumon have the advantage of an established daily study routine and a daily workout for those brain cells and so at the start of each new term they

are ready for new work straight away. Kumon Educational is one of the leading supplementary education providers in the UK. We offer maths and English after-school study programmes, designed to help all children to fulfil their potential. As the Kumon programmes are tailored to the needs of each individual child they can support children of all abilities. Enrolling your child at a Kumon study centre at this time of year is a great way to kick start the new academic year and establish new habits.  See advert for your local KUMON provider.

ÊÊ Kenny the Clown with cake and kids

Let us take good care of your little rascal

Our staff are committed to providing the highest quality child care and education in a safe, cosy, child centred and enabling environment. • Open 51 weeks per year • Monday - Friday 8am-6pm • Saturday 8am-1pm • Caring for children from 6 weeks of age • Nursery, Crèche and Afterschool

www.rascalscowdenbeath.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Kumon’s maths and English study programmes are tailored to your child’s individual needs, nurturing their independence and enthusiasm for learning. To unlock your child’s potential, contact your local Instructor for a Free Assessment. Glenrothes Study Centre Lesley Shaw 01383 822 814

Develop your child’s independence kumon.co.uk

Issue 26 Families Fife | 7

Summer fun

Seven weeks of summer T

he summer holidays are almost upon us. This year we have over seven weeks to fill with activities and fun pastimes for our school aged children. So, if you’re looking for inspiration on how to spend your children’s time but not necessarily all your money, then the next few pages should offer you instant inspiration. There is positively masses on this year – more than ever before and don’t forget to check our new searchable What’s on calendar at www.familiesfife.co.uk/whatson for a day by day guide to what’s happening locally.

Keep the kids entertained for FREE this summer!

Capture your child’s imagination and explore what is on your doorstep in creative ways by encouraging your child to sign up free to The Fife Challenge. Your child will choose and plan their adventures, participating in workshops trails and challenges that might be on the beach, in the woods, in parks or in unusual and unique venues throughout Fife. Participants will be able to record and share their achievements on the website and will receive certificates as they work towards becoming a ‘Fife Challenge Champion’. See for yourself the great range of workshops and activities on offer by visiting www.thefifechallenge.co.uk ÊPlaces Ê to go August 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War and many local organisations and attractions have planned events around this centenary. This is a great time to talk to children about events of the past and help them to understand what life was like before they were born.

Ideas and planning ÊTAKE Ê TIME TO EXPLORE Want to keep the kids active this Summer? Go explore www.fifedirect.org.uk/families

The new webpage launched by Fife Council, NHS Fife and partner organisations, features a host of free things to do across the Kingdom. Events include, den building, bug hunting and craft workshops as well as ideas

8 | Families Fife Issue 26

Scotland’s Secret Bunker, a Cold War nuclear command centre, opened its 3 tonne blast proof doors to the public 20 years ago this year. After undergoing an extensive restoration project over the winter months, 2014 promises to be an exciting year for the Bunker with never seen before areas now open to the public. Opened to the public in 1994, after being decommissioned in the late 1980s following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the dissolution of nuclear threat, the bunker is now one of Fife’s major tourist attractions welcoming tens of thousands of visitors through its blast doors every year. One room which has been extensively remodelled was the British Telecom equipment room where never-seen before areas have now been revealed, allowing Cold War (and, indeed, telecoms) enthusiasts to see the specialist communications equipment which were in operation to distribute the 2800 phone lines connected to the bunker, and which would have been the main line of communication with the outside world in the event of a nuclear attack on Scotland. Don’t miss the sinister war telephone!

on places to visit to help little ones flourish. Find out what’s going on in your community when you are out and about. Accessible on a mobile phone or handheld device, such as an i-pad, the webpage is easy to explore on the go! Fife Direct also has lots of information about services and support available for families and children aged 0-8 years old in your local area. This includes Council and private nurseries, family centres, voluntary group services, Book Bug sessions and community events.

Did You Know Fife’s “Take Time” campaign encourages shared family experiences and learning for children which can last a lifetime. Exploring is vital to a child’s development and aids skills like: pulling up, standing, problem solving, learning new words, and; sparks the imagination. Be adventurous. Go to a Fife beach or

Discover the twilight world of the Government Cold War. Take the opportunity to discover how they would have survived, and you wouldn’t! ÊVintage Ê Day 40’s Style Loch Leven Community Campus Turn back time with Vintage Day to be held at Loch Leven Community Campus on Saturday 23rd August 2014. Find out what it was like in the 40’s The day will include a selection of Scottish Military Vintage Vehicles, Community Stalls / Craft Stalls & Vintage Fair, Beer Tent, BBQ, Bouncy Castle, 40’s Displays, Children’s / Family Activities, Afternoon Tea Dance, Pathe

park you’ve never visited before. This year, Fife’s Take Time Campaign will be celebrating National Insect Week (23-29 June) and Love your Park Week (25 July-3 August) as well as supporting the Fife Challenge www.thefifechallenge.co.uk Or if it’s raining, which it often is, Fife Council runs many museums and libraries which are fun and free to visit. There are also lots of easy, cheap and fun games to play in the house. Making tents out of two chairs and a sheet, turning empty kitchen rolls into telescopes or putting some music on and simply having fun dancing can not only help keep children amused, but build vital skills such as movement and co-ordination. So even if the weather is gloomy, the kids don’t have to be. Visit www.fifedirect.org.uk/families today and remember to check out Fife Council’s Facebook and Twitter pages for events which you and your family can Take Time to Explore. Have fun! 

www.familiesfife.co.uk

interest for all of the family. Vintage Dress is encouraged so let your imagination run wild and join in the fun. ÊÊ Contact the Secret Bunker One here

ÊÊ Isla Johntsone

Newsreel Cinema Screenings, Museum 40’s Display, Children’s Activities in the Library. Find out what it was like in the 40’s whilst having a great day out with things to do and lots of

www.facebook.com/ lochlevencommunity campusevents or Contact Gerry McGregor at GMcGregor@pkc.gov.uk or 01577 867119/867200.

ÊSt Ê Andrews Aquarium, Open daily Nestled amidst St Andrews dramatic north facing cliffs, with stunning views of the famous west sands and bay, St Andrews Aquarium is the perfect destination for all things fishy. They have just announced that their two young South American spectacled caimans names have been inspired by popular culture and will be called Crocodile Rock and Crocodile Dundee. The aquatic reptiles join a growing number of reptilian displays at the visitor attraction which includes two young American Alligators, African Spurred Tortoises and a Bredyl’s Carpet Python. The two caimans are the latest to join a long line of star studded residents including Penguins Andy & Judy Murray, and Kate & Wills the meerkats. Rock and Dundee are expected to grow to between 1.5m and 2.5m in length. For more information on St

Andrews Aquarium please visit www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk Want to win a free family pass with penguin feeding? Just tell us the names of the penguins named after a famous Scottish sporting family. Enter the competition at www.familiesfife.co.uk/offers ÊCairnie Ê Fruit Farm & Mega Maze CUPAR Open 7 days, 10- 5pm until 3/11/14. Then to 9.30am to 5.30pm in peak times – July & August Cairnie Fruit farm offers 20+ acres of Pick Your Own soft fruit including strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, red/blackcurrants, tayberries, brambles, cherries, sunflowers and pumpkins too! The farm also features an outdoor 6 acre Mega “Maize” Maze and Funyard to explore. This year the Mega Maze will depict a golfer in full swing to celebrate the Ryder Cup being held at Gleneagles in September. The Mega Maze opens in July and runs through October, when we host our “Torch Light” Maze nights to coincide with our Halloween and Pumpkin Festival events. Kids can also have a great time playing in the Funyard which boasts a straw bale climbing fortress, a large peddle go-cart track, trampolines, crazy swings, a giant sandbox, zip wires, ride on diggers,

Take time to explore this Summer

ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE?

If you want to try something new, have adventures and go exploring then visit: fun at the e r G all for ily! fam

www.thefifechallenge.co.uk choose from a range of FREE workshops and activities on offer including:

NATURE GAMES! BUSHCRAFT SKILLS! GEOLOGY WORKSHOPS! HISTORICAL TRAILS! STORYTELLING! CREATIVE WORKSHOPS!

Did you know exploring is important for a child’s development. It aids skills like pulling up, standing, problem solving, learning new words, and sparks the imagination. Take Time to get out and Explore Fife this Summer. Visit our new webpage for a host of free or low cost activities and events across the Kingdom to help your little ones flourish. You can also find out about services and support available for families and children.

fifedirect.org.uk/families Working together to give children the best start

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Issue 26 Families Fife | 9

Summer fun an XL bouncing pillow, an ATV barrel ride, a football pitch and other surprises. Parents will enjoy the Farmshop where they can find freshly picked fruit, taste and buy our award winning ‘Cam’s Jam’, be tempted by Cairnie’s takeaway home baking as well as finding a varied selection of home grown and locally sourced seasonal veg from Fife. No trip would be complete without a visit to the lovely newly extended indoor/outdoor Tearoom which offers wholesome healthy food and boasts the best homebaking in Fife!

And last but not least - how to get there! Stagecoach East Scotland operate high frequency services from towns and cities across Fife to popular destinations such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee. With no advance tickets to purchase, you really can just “turn up and go”, whether you’ve planned your trip months in advance or wish to travel on the spur of the moment. More than 1,800 services a week operate from all over Fife via Ferrytoll Park and Ride, connecting Fife and Edinburgh with departures up to every five minutes. Fife’s newest transport interchange, Halbeath Park and Ride, now offers links up to every 20 minutes between Fife and Glasgow as well as improved links to Edinburgh and Perth and more locally to Dunfermline, Kelty, Kinross and other local communities. Smart drivers know when to use the car and when it makes sense to switch to public transport. Our frequent and friendly networks between Fife and Edinburgh and Fife and Glasgow, coupled with our range of great value money saving tickets for all the family, makes the bus the hassle free option! 

A GREAT DAY OUT!

Good times ready to roll at Hill of Tarvit

day of jolly good family fun can be enjoyed by you and your family at the National Trust for Scotland’s Hill of Tarvit Mansion by Cupar! The property has just been relaunched and visitors can now expect to have lots of fun Edwardian-style, with everything from billiards and a hickory lawn game to parlour games and more! Croquet is just one of the changes introduced by the conservation charity which pledged to revitalise the property by providing a range of new activities inspired by the Sharp family (who lived in the house in its heyday) for summer 2014. Visitors can also try their hand at the ‘hickory lawn game’, a fusion of putting and croquet which uses traditional hickory golf clubs of the sort also used onsite at the property’s unique Kingarrock Hickory Golf. Meanwhile, inside the house, there will be games, music and the chance to play billiards on one of the best and most authentic tables in Scotland. Recently appointed property manager

Kim Malherbe said “We’re ringing the changes at Hill of Tarvit to bring it back to the energetic and activity-packed era that it enjoyed when the Sharp family lived here. “Outside, we’re letting the good times roll with our hickory lawn game and croquet. Inside, we’ve ramped up the fun factor with billiards and snooker, board games, beetle drives and jazz music. It’s all jolly good fun!” There are even more improvements on site as a new tearoom serves up delicious treats and updated signage in authentic vintage colours makes it all look splendid. These changes are part of an ambitious programme to transform the visitor experience at the historic house and estate for the benefit of visitors and the wider community. Amongst its aims are increasing visitor numbers, increasing revenue and helping to secure the longterm sustainability of the property, so that it can continue to be enjoyed and experienced by future generations. 

Pick Your Own Fruit Strawberries l Raspberries l Tayberries Gooseberries l Black/Redcurrants Pumpkins l NEW Cherries & Brambles Farm Shop & County Tearoom Ready-picked fruit & seasonal produce Home-made take-away baking l Cairnie jams & other fine foods l Indoor/Outdoor plants l Large selection of gifts & cards 6 Acre Mega Maze to explore Funyard includes: Giant bouncing pillow l Go-Kart track Sunken trampolines l Twisters l 30m flying fox l Crazy swings l Straw Bale Climbing fortress l Huge sandbox lYoung Farmers Yard (with ride on tractors) l Football pitch and other surprisesl Cairnie Cresta Run l Large picnic areal Plenty of free parking

ST ANDREWS

The Country Tearoom boasts the best homebaking in Fife!

Cupar, Fife, KY15 4QD, Tel: 01334 655610 Apr, May, Jun, Sept, Oct 10 - 5pm 7 days July & August 9.30 – 5.30pm 7 days Maze opens on 25th July

www.cairniefruitfarm.co.uk 10 | Families Fife Issue 26

Gift Shop, Café and a whole lot more. . . On West Sands Beach, St Andrews

www.standrewsaquarium.co.uk www.familiesfife.co.uk

Clubs and classes listings Jo Jingles Monday 9.45am - 10.30am Family Time Class (walking - 5yrs) Dalgety Parish Church, Dalgety Bay Monday 10.45am - 11.20am Baby Class (3months - walking) Dalgety Parish Church, Dalgety Bay Monday 1pm - 1.45pm Family Time Class (walking - age 5) Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Monday 1.55pm - 2.30pm Baby Class (3months - walking) Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Monday 2.50pm Family Time Class (walking - age 5) Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Wednesday 9.45am - 10.30am Family Time Class (walking - age 5) Tiger Feet, Bonnar Street, Dunfermline Wednesday 10.45am - 11.20am Baby Class (3months to walking) Tiger Feet, Bonnar Street, Dunfermline Wednesday 9.45am - 10.30am Family Time Class (walking age 5) Dunnikier Scout Hall, Glenbervie Road, Kirkcaldy Wednesday 10.45am - 11.20am Baby Class (3months to walking) Dunnikier Scout Hall, Glenbervie Road, Kirkcaldy Thursday 9.30am - 10.15am Over 2’s Class Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Thursday 10.30am - 11.15am Under 2’s Class (walking - 2yrs) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Thursday 11.30am -12.05pm Baby Class (3mths - walking) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Thursday 12.45pm - 1.30pm Jingle Juniors (age 3yrs-5yrs) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Thursday 1.45pm - 2.30pm Family Time Class (walking - 5yrs) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Thursday 10.15am - 11.00am Over 2’s Class Bongo’s soft play, Glenrothes Thursday 11.15am - 12noon Under 2’s Class Bongo’s soft play, Glenrothes Thursday 12.15pm - 12.50pm Bongo’s soft play, Glenrothes Thursday 2.00pm - 2.45pm Family Time Class (walking - 5yrs) Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Thursday 3.00pm - 3.35pm Baby Class (3mths - walking) Mind and Body Studio, Kirkcaldy Saturday 9.30am - 10.15am Over 2’s Class Dunfermline East Church,

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Duloch, Dunfermline Saturday 10.30am - 11.15am Under 2’s Class (walking - 2yrs ) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Saturday 11.25am - 12noon Baby Class (3months - walking) Dunfermline East Church, Duloch, Dunfermline Creation Station Mon 9.30 Rosyth Parish Church Mon 2.00pm Crossford Village Hall Tues 2.00 St. Andrews Erskine church, Dunfermline Wed 9.30 Broad St Community Centre Cowdenbeath Wed 1.15 The Kabin, Dalgety Bay Fri 1.30 Saline Community Centre

Kintted Pin Cushion 1.30-5 £30 (Adults) July 15th to the 18th 10.30-12 Learn to Sew a Sock Monster £35 (Kids) July 16th Felting workshopscritter and painting with wool 12.30-3 £15 July 18th Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) July 21st Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) July 29th Kids Build a Bracelet Workshop £10 July 23rd 12.30-3 Felted tentacles and Pebble pets £15 July 31st learn to sew- owl workshop 1-5 £25 August 1st Stitch a Purse £20, 10-1pm

August 1st Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) August 5th Felted Tentacles and painting with wool £15 12.30-3 August 6th and 7th Bunny making workshop £35 (part 1)1-4 August 8th Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) August 12th kids Craft workshop10-2 £30 August 13th 12.30-3 Felted Flowers and Pebble Pets £15 August 15th Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) *All Tiff and Kitties workshops please book via Tiff and Kitty.  Miss Pauley’s shop@misspauleys.com

fionapaterson@ thecreationstation.co.uk

Helen O Grady Academy Monday: Kirkcaldy Tuesday: Cupar Wednesday; Perth Thursday: Glenrothes and Newport on Tay Friday: Dunfermline and St Andrews Saturday: Kinross

Nutritionist? Horticulturalist? Celebrity chef?

To find out more about this awardwinning programme, please contact Barbara on 01382 330052

Miss Pauley’s Chalmers Street, Dunfermline Miss Pauley’s fantastically creative classes June 14th 3D Fabric Felt and Fleece Jewellery £30 1.30-5 with Rachel Henderson June 18th Adults Doodle and Splat Decopatch evening (book via doodle and splat) £15 June 22nd 2-4 Fused Glass Pedant making £15 June 29th Needle Punch Applique Cushion 1.30-5 £30 with Rachel Henderson July 1st- July 4th 10.30-12 each day £35 Learn how to make a sock monkey with July 2nd + 9th Kids Sculpture 10.30-12.30 £25 July 4th (Adults) sew a button class £20 7-9 July 4th Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) July 8th Sew your own Pencil case (Kids) 1-4 £20 July 9th (Kids) Canvas Painting 1.15- 2.15 July 10th (Kids) Craft day £30 10.30-3.30 July 11th Tiff and Kitties workshops, 1.30-3.30 (Kids) July 12th Rachel Henderson

At Sparkle Arts we encourage children aged 1-5 to develop and learn through a fun mix of music, dance and drama. Our classes bring subjects to life to accelerate learning, whilst building confidence and improving social skills. It’s a creative education that will make little minds sparkle and teach children skills that will last a lifetime.

Go online to find out more and book a class.

sparklearts.co.uk make learning fun. Issue 26 Families Fife | 11

Clubs and classes

here would we be without the constant merry-go-round of our offspring’s clubs and classes? How would I know that it was Monday if it wasn’t Brownies for example? Would Wednesdays really be the same if I had a chance to sit down and enjoy dinner, rather than frantically ingest calories in order to pick up my daughter from Beavers? Of course not! So, my advice to all parents out there is to sit down now with Families magazine and preferably a tablet [and by this I mean something that will get you on the internet, not allay that headache you feel coming on] and get planning your children’s term time post-curricular timetables. Oh and don’t forget to buy a few ready meals whilst you’re there.

ÊPerforming Ê Arts Youth Theatre at Fife College Want to be part of something incredible? Our young people will tell you – youth theatre builds confidence, friendships and skills which stay with them for life. Whether you want to explore your creative side, are looking for a way to meet new and interesting people or are hoping for a long term career in the Creative Industries; youth theatre may be the answer. With evening and weekend classes available throughout Fife, our continuously

“Drama gives me the chance to be the person I want to be” Shireen aged 15

YT@FC Youth Theatre at Fife College

Classes for children and young people aged 3 - 25 (and beyond!). Established in 2001. Classes run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at either Fife College Halbeath’s campus or at Duloch Community School, Dunfermline or at Rothes Halls Glenrothes. See classes listings for full details.

growing youth theatre is driven by the imagination and creativity of young people and the inspiration, dedication and passion of our professional Drama team. We now have places throughout Fife for all young people from 3 - 18 years old with NO competitive audition. Please contact the Drama department at Fife College for further information 0844 248 0115 ext 5260 to organise a FREE taster session, or to enquire about any of our academic courses. You can also join our facebook page ‘Drama at Fife College’ for upcoming opportunities and news for creative people of all ages. Helen O Grady Academy How to dramatically develop a happy child! We live in an exciting world of technology where computers abound in most homes and schools, where many children have become more computer literate than their own parents and schools have large budgets to develop technology. Within this fast-moving world, many children lack the essential communication skills to push themselves forward in this fast-paced world. Speaking clearly, expressing accurately what we think and verbalising effectively to other people are essential skills that are often overlooked in our need to grasp more advanced means of communication. Barbara Brett, Principal of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy says: ‘Success in later life is often dependent on our development as a child. Developing sound verbal communication skills, in the early years, where we are able to put our case forward in this ever demanding world is paramount to unlocking. ‘Speaking can be scary! Sometimes we can’t find the right words, or are hesitant about how they will be received: all of us, at any age, can feel apprehensive about speaking to people we do not know. Drama gives us a wonderful opportunity to overcome those

fears and to gain confidence and a positive outlook on life’. Weekly classes are held throughout Fife during term time – see listings. To find out more about this awardwinning programme, please contact Barbara on 01382 330052 www. helenogradyeastcentralscotland.co.uk

ÊCreative Ê play Creation Station The creation station is an award-winning nationwide brand who’s mission it is to inspire imaginations and nurture creativity. We do so by holding weekly classes for 0-5 year olds called baby discover and little explorers, we also do arty parties, events and partnerships. The weekly classes take place in Rosyth, Crossford, Dunfermline, Cowdenbeath, Dalgety Bay and Saline with more launching in the autumn. Classes and sessions are broken down into 3 categories • Baby discover for 6 months to 15 months approx • Little explorers for 1-5 year olds • Family fun - suitable for 2-11 year olds. Session cost £5 weekly or can be booked in blocks, when booked in blocks sessions cost £4.50. We offer a buy one get one free for your first visit as we feel (especially younger kids) need more than one visit to build confidence. So far one of the best feelings is seeing the difference week by week in behaviour and concentration, as well as teaching arts and crafts we are also teaching kids to share, be independent, tidy up, recycle and much much more. Call Fiona Paterson for more details. Tel: 07980749898 or 01383 647262 or email fionapaterson@thecreationstation.co.uk

Doodle & Splat Doodle & Splat is a fun and exciting arts and crafts class for children aged from 1-5 years. In the classes we provide children with imaginative play, a sensory experience and creative arts and crafts. Activities vary weekly, and this allows the children to experiment with colour, shape and texture through

T: 0844 248 0115 W:www.fife.ac.uk E:enquiries@fife.ac.uk

Art, Craft & Messy Play "Let's make something fun

Arts & Craft Classes in Dunfermline & Kirkcaldy for ages 1-2.5 yrs & 2-5 yrs Birthday parties for 2-10 years Contact us: Lynda/Pamela on 0794 282 5114 doodle@doodleandsplat.co.uk www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

12 | Families Fife Issue 26

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Fife-wide leisure opportunities for all With 13 leisure centres across the region, Fife Sports and Leisure Trust is Fife’s leading provider of sports and leisure facilities with the largest variety of programmes and activities on offer for all ages and abilities. The Trust is ideally placed to provide pathways to swimming, athletics, gymnastics and many more sports clubs which often use the Trust’s facilities for training. The range of classes on offer is huge, with pre-school upwards well catered for working with a wide variety of materials. You and your wee ones get to have quality time together, making some fantastic masterpieces to take home to show family and friends. The classes are all very relaxed and there will always be something for your wee one’s to try out and as a parent/carer you don’t have to worry about the mess! For more information about the classes see our website www.doodleandsplat.co.uk, email doodle@doodleandsplat.co.uk or call 0794 282 5114.

ÊActive Ê classes Music maestros -Jo Jingles Jo Jingles music and movement classes start their new term on Monday 25th August. We offer classes suitable for children from 3 months to 5 years. Every week Jo Jingles introduces a different theme to the class and the songs we use are based around that weeks theme. We play percussion instruments, sing songs, dance, use fun props, read stories, move to music and lots more - Jo helps to teach each class and the children love him! Everyone is welcome for a free trial class, and babies under 6 months receive their first 4 weeks classes free. If you’d like to join our fun classes in Fife please e-mail jojinglesfife@ hotmail.co.uk or call Julie on 01383 734080. We also run sessions in nurseries,

e ev

with gymnastics, football, trampolining, swimming, Run, Jump and Throw, mini tennis and much, much more. The Trust is dedicated to keeping classes affordable to encourage more youngsters to get more active more of the time – and, it offers Quid-a-Kid Weekends in all of its leisure centres which gives juniors aged 17 and under access to swimming and racquet sports for just £1. The Trust hasn’t forgotten about parents either – there are a host of great classes and activities on offer across the region. The playgroups and toddler groups, as well as offering fantastic musical birthday parties. www.jojingles.com/fife or find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jojinglesfife

Rugbytots classes in Fife, Perth & Dundee! Rugbytots is a highly energetic play programme for boys and girls aged 2-7 years that has run throughout Scotland since 2008. The sessions are designed to increase children’s basic motor skills such as balance, agility, and hand/eye coordination in

t through Dram n e m a op

Trust’s gyms are packed with state-of-the-art Technogym equipment and there are fitness classes offering the latest industry trends such as MetaFit and TRX. Or, why not join your kids for a game of badminton at the weekends and enjoy discounted rates for adults with Quid-a-Kid Weekends? Many of the Trust’s centres have crèches available so it’s easy to fit in a workout or a relaxing session in the health suite with great childcare on offer. See www.fifeleisure.org.uk for details

a fun environment at the same time as encouraging social skills such as sharing, team work and taking turns. One mum recently commented ‘Many thanks, Rugbytots has been by far the best activity that we have taken part in and worth every penny for the range of skills and the discipline.’ Come along and join in the fun! We have availability in Perth, Dundee, Letham, Dalgety Bay and Dunfermline. All bookings can be done online at www.rugbytots.co.uk. e-mail sandra@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0845 313 3252 

Classes in Perth, Kinross and Fife

01382 330052

www.helenogrady.co.uk

www.familiesfife.co.uk

Issue 26 Families Fife | 13

Out and About July 2014 27th June -24th August Art Lab, St Andrews Museum Interactive Family show. Fife in the Frame, St Andrews Museum Views of Fife’s East Neuk from The Fleming Collection

28th June onwards A Century of Childhood, Methil Heritage Centre Do you remember Dinky cars, Sindy dolls, or the Rubik’s Cube? Whatever your era, join us for a trip back in time.

Saturday 28th June to Friday 4th July It’s a Bug’s Life RSPB Loch Leven It’s bug week! Bug related fun challenges. You will be building, drawing, exploring and creating to earn a prize! Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply)

Sunday 29th June Jack & Jill Market, Bell’s Sports Centre, Perth You will find stalls and a large item gallery all bursting with bargains on quality nearly-new baby & kids items (0-9yrs). You can’t afford to miss it and miss out! Adults £1.50 entry - Kids FREE. 10.30 - 1pm / £1.50 for adults

Monday from 30th June Grub Club at the Kaleyard The Beveridge Park Kirkcaldy. Free drop in session at Kirkcaldy’s newest community garden, the Kaleyard. Growing, cooking and crafty activities each week. 4pm - 5pm

www.fifediet.co.uk/grow/the-kaleyard Every Tuesday from 1st July Kids Gardening Club Broomhill Gardens Burntisland. Free drop in session for kids of all ages at the local community garden. Growing, cooking, and crafty activities each week. 3.30pm till 4.30pm. www.fifediet.co.uk/grow/broomhill-

gardens-and-kids-gardening-club/ Wednesday 2nd July to Saturday 5th July Blue Block Studio, Perth Concert Hall A creative play space designed for babies under 24 months. It offers the opportunity for adult and baby to play together in an inspiring and beautiful environment. Touch, watch,listen, build and explore in a friendly space for adult and baby to discover together. www.horsecross.co.uk

Friday 4th July to Sunday 6th July National Festival of Youth Theatre 2014 The Rothes Halls Largest gathering of youth theatres in the UK. Inspiring performances, artistic workshops and social activities for all youth theatre groups.

Friday 4th July to 5th July Yellow Valley Perth Concert Hall Musical-storytelling for children aged 2 to 4yrs. African music, vocal effects and energetic performances inspired by Kenyan children’s book Who’s Calling by Charity Waciuma.

Saturday 5th July to Monday 7th July

14 | Families Fife Issue 26

Angelina Ballerina Ballet Girls & Hip Hop Boys The Alhambra Theatre Everyone’s favourite little star, Angelina Ballerina, pirouettes onto the stage in her brand new musical.

From 5th July Tall Tales & Fabulous Fables Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery. Explore the fascinating world of children’s books through our colourful, interactive exhibition.

Saturday 5th July Thornton Highland Gathering 2014 Memorial Park , Park Place, Thorton, Fife Traditional track and field events, highland dancing, stalls for local vendors, exhibitions by local groups and of course pipe bands including a pipe band street march along Main Street, Thornton. 11am. www.thorntonhighlandgathering.co.uk

Saturday 5 July to Friday 11 July Terrific Trees RSPB Loch Leven Take the tree challenge to win a prize by “conkering” all six tree themed activities. Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply)

Wednesday 9th July & Friday 8th August Free Children’s Tours and Creative Waste Workshops, The Earthship Fife Visitor Centre, Kinghorn Loch. Recommended age 8-12 years, children must be accompanied by an adult. Younger siblings are welcome too but must be supervised. Booking essential. Louise on 01592 891884, inquiry@sci-scotland.org.uk

Wednesday 9th July Landscape Creations St Andrews Museum Join us to create your own masterpiece featuring some of the iconic buildings of the East Neuk region. Wear old clothes. 7-12 years 10.30-noon / Booking essential: 01334 659380.

9th July & 10th July Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, Perth Concert Hall Come and join Peppa and her friends for another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles! www.horsecross.co.uk

Saturday 12th July Artie’s Tartan Tales, Perth Concert Hall Tartan Tales is for children and their adults. Delivered in a unique, interactive, charming and engaging style. www.horsecross.co.uk

12th July & 13th July Bruce Festival, Pittencrief Park, Dunfermline Two-day event. Battle re-enactments, street theatre, interactive medieval cookery stalls, food from some of the best Scottish producers and a chance for children to participate in the Bruce Highland Games. www.brucefestival.co.uk

Saturday 12th July to Friday 18th July Flower Power, RSPB Loch Leven Use your flower power to complete our six wildflower challenges to win a prize! Pick up

your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply)

Sunday 13th July Fabulous Fables Face Painting, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Face artist Mary Fairgrieve is back to transform faces into mythical dragons, beautiful butterflies and a host of other fabulous creations. Drop in anytime. 12 noon – 4pm

Wednesday 16th July Fantastic fishies, St Andrews Museum Family-friendly workshop. Children will use a variety of different arts and crafts materials to create unique paper fish. Wear old clothes. Age 4 -7 years 10.30-11.30. Shipwright Science, St Andrews Museum Children learn how boats float (and why they sometimes sink!) Hands-on science activities and a boat building challenge will explore buoyancy, density, and ship design. Age: 8-12 years) 1-2.30pm. Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380.

16th July to 17th July Peppa Pig’s Big Splash, The Alhambra Theatre, Dunfermline Come and join Peppa and her friends for another all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

Saturday 19th July to Friday 25th July Aren’t Birds Brilliant, RSPB Loch Leven, Discover what gives birds their super hero status in our bird themed challenge. Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply)

Saturday 19th July Artists Assemble! Create Your Own 3-D Superhero,Methil Heritage Centre Century of Childhood Toys inspired by famous fictional crime fighters and defenders of the peace. Using modelling clay and variety of different arts and crafts materials, children will design their own superhero and create a short comic strip featuring their adventures. Wear old clothes. (7-12 years) 2-4pm Dalgety Pushkart Derby race, Dalgety Bay 10am St Davids Business Park Entrants are encouraged to build and race their own kart twice round our track with the fastest time taking home the coveted trophy. Part of PKD Festival & East Coast Bike Show.

www.pkdfestival.com Halbeath Gala & Sports Day, Halbeath Community Centre Fun for all the family including children’s races, tug of war, football 5 a side, stalls, amusements free pony rides and bouncy castle. 12 noon - 4pm.

Sunday 20th July Landscape Creations, St Andrews Museum Children can pick watercolour or acrylic paint and different tactical objects to create artwork.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

familiesfife.co.uk/whatson Wear old clothes. 7-12 years 10.30-noon Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380.

Monday 21st July Burntisland Highland Games, Burntisland Links The second oldest highland games in the world featuring highland dancing, pipe bands, heavyweights, races, track events, the Binn race, full fairground and market stalls. The official opening ceremony starts with a procession along the High Street featuring Burntisland Pipe Band. Small charge to enter games arena. 10am

Wednesday 23rd July Heavy Seas!, St Andrews Museum Create a stormy seascape. Wear old clothes. 7-12 years 1-2.30pm / Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380.

Thursday 24th July Character Creations , Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery. Come along and create a puppet and mask from your favourite tale, or use your imagination to make up a totally new character. 10.30am-12pm, repeated 1.30pm-3pm (5-11 years) £3/£2.50

Saturday 26th July to Friday 1st August It’s a Bug’s Life, RSPB Loch Leven It’s bug week! Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply)

Sunday 27th July St Andrews Highland Games, Station Park www.standrewshighlandgames.co.uk/home The Games in 2014 will be held on Sunday 27th July at Station Park from 10.30am, in front of the Old Course Hotel on the entrance to the town. £6 for adults and £4 for concessions and Car Parking is free Tickets Purchase on gate.

Tuesday 29th July Design Your Own Board Game, Methil Heritage Centre. Children will create their own unique toy to take home. 8-12 years 1-3.30pm. Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 03451 555 555 ext 472786. Please ensure all children under 8 are accompanied by an adult.

August 2014 Saturday 2nd August Fantastic Fishies, St Andrews Museum Children will use a variety of different arts and crafts materials to create unique paper fish. Wear old clothes.4 -7 years 10.30-11.30 / Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380. Inverkeithing Highland Games, Ballast Bank, Inverkeithing. The family friendly highland games. www. inverkeithinghighlandgames.com Shipwright Science, St Andrews Museum Hands-on science activities and a boat building challenge will explore buoyancy, density, and ship design (8-12 years) 1-2.30pm Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380.

www.familiesfife.co.uk

La Leche League ÊÊ What we offer: ‘Mother-to-mother support for breastfeeding. ÊÊ How we do it: join us for tea, coffee, snacks and chat”. ÊÊ When and where; Second Saturday of the month, 10am until 11.30am at St Columba’s Church in Cupar. www.lalechefifetayside.weebly.com www.facebook.com/lalechefifetayside

Saturday 2nd August to Friday 8th August Terrific Trees, RSPB Loch Leven Take the tree challenge to win a prize by “conkering” all six tree themed activities Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus usual reserve admission prices apply).

Sunday 3rd August Crowns, Swords – arty, crafty fun, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery King, queen, or perhaps you would prefer to be a knight? Come along and decorate a crown, a sword, or both during our arty, crafty afternoon. Drop in anytime. 1pm-4pm Family Fun Day, Scone Palace, Perth A day of family fun and activities within 100 acres of Gardens and Grounds here at Scone Palace. 11am Storytelling, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Chatterbox Stories are back with tall tales of adventure and heroism, and fabulous fables full of beautiful princesses. 1.30pm, repeated 3pm (4-10 years)

Tuesday 5th August Artists Assemble! Create Your Own 3-D Superhero, Methil Heritage Centre Visit the Century of Childhood exhibition. Toys inspired by famous fictional crime fighters and defenders of the peace. Using modelling clay and variety of different arts and crafts materials, children will design their own superhero and create a short comic strip featuring their adventures. Wear old clothes. (7-12 years) 2-4pm Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 03451 555 555 ext 472786. Please ensure all children under 8 are accompanied by an adult.

Thursday 7th August Secret Storybooks, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01592 583206. Do you have a favourite book? And do you like secrets and hidden treasures? Combine the two in a handson workshop with a little mystery thrown in… 10.30am-12pm, repeated 1.30pm-3pm (5-11 year olds). Tickets £3/£2.50

Saturday 9th August to Friday 15th August Flower Power RSPB Loch Leven Use your flower power to complete our six wildflower challenges to win a prize! Pick up your entry scorecard from reception. Drop in between 10am-4pm / £2 per scorecard (plus

usual reserve admission prices apply) Tel 01577 862355. www.rspb.org.uk

Saturday 9th August Design a Paper Doll, Methil Heritage Centre Make your own unique set of paper dolls. Wear old clothes. 5-10 years 2.30-4pm. Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 03451 555 555 ext 472786. Please ensure all children under 8 are accompanied by an adult. Heavy Seas!, St Andrews Museum Create a stormy seascape. Wear old clothes. 7-12 years 10.30-noon / Places on the above workshops must be pre-booked on 01334 659380. Messy Church, Dunfermline North Parish Church, Golfdrum Street, Dunfermline Please come along and join inthe fun ,games craft ,songs and share a meal. All will be welcome, children need to bring along an adult. 4-6pm Singing Kettle - Fantastic Funfair, Perth Concert Hall Perth www.horsecross.co.uk

Sunday 10th August Perth Highland Games, North Inch Park, Perth The Games include the traditional events performed by the heavyweight athletes – throwing weights and hammers and tossing the caber. Highland dancing, running for adults and youths, cycling, solo piping and the very popular pipe band contest. 10am. www.perthhighlandgames.co.uk

Tuesday 12th August The Gingerbread Man, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery. Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits… 11am, repeated at 2pm / Tickets £2/£1.50 per person Tel: 01592 583213

Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th August Museum Open Weekend, The Scottish Vintage Bus Museum by Dunfermline Free bus service from Dunfermline on the hour and half-hour from 10am – 4.30pm Display of buses from all over the UK Display of historic commercial vehicles Transport Stalls 10am 5pm. www.svbm.org.uk/events.html

Saturday 23rd August Vintage Day 40’s Style Loch Leven Community Campus Kinross. 40s fun including an array of Scottish Military Vintage Vehicles, Community Stalls / Craft Stalls & Vintage Fair, Beer Tent, BBQ, Bouncy Castle, 40’s Displays, Children’s / Family Activities, Afternoon Tea Dance, Pathe Newsreel Cinema Screenings, Museum 40’s Display, Children’s Activities in the Library. Vintage Dress is encouraged so let your imagination run wild and join in the fun. FREE Admission (there will be a small charge for the Tea Dance)

Sunday 31st August Mary Queen of Scots Extravaganza, Kirkgate Park, Kinross. Come along with your kids to Kirkgate Park on 31 August from noon until 5pm Whilst every care has been taken to compile the Out and About section with accuracy, please remember to check with the venue before making plans to avoid any disappointment as Families magazine is put together weeks in advance of actual publication.

Issue 26 Families Fife | 15

Family

days out sorted !! Our great value Fife dayrider+ group ticket offers unlimited travel for the whole day for 2 adults + 2 children, 1 adult + 3 children or 3 adults within Fife and as far as Livingston, Dundee and Edinburgh for only ÂŁ20 .60

Buy from the driver when you board!

Visit stagecoachbus.com for full ticket boundary details and further information on our range of tickets.

16 | Families Fife Issue 26