families fife jan-feb 2016 issue 35

www.familiesfife.co.uk • [email protected] • 07881 827 627

Plan the perfect birthday party!

What’s on, reviews,

news and updates

In this issue

including:

Free Issue 35Jan/Feb 2016

Fife, Perth & Kinross

familiesfife

2 | Families Fife Issue 35 Issue 35 Families Fife | 3www.familiesfife.co.uk • [email protected] • 07881 827 627www.familiesfife.co.uk • [email protected] • 07881 827 627

Free Trial available from 1-29 FebruaryTerms and conditions apply. Fees vary. Please refer to your local study centre.

Now is the perfect time to help your child achieve their full potential.

Contact your local Kumon Maths and English Study Centre to find out more about our two-week Free Trial.

Dunfermline Study Centre0138 373 0775

Glenrothes Study Centre0138 382 2814

St Andrews Study Centre0131 618 2315

Top performing independent school in Scotland for Intermediate 2, Highers and Advanced Highers, 2015

Scottish Independent School of the Year, 2014

Whole School Open DayNursery, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form

Saturday 30th January10am - 2pm

For further information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Barbara McGarva, Head of Admissions

on 01738 812257 or [email protected]

www.kilgraston.comKilgraston School - Bridge of Earn - Perth - PH2 9BQ

H appy New Year to you all. Now that the children have opened a billion presents leaving a trail of destruction behind them,

Christmas is well and truly behind us. My house has been completely taken over by Star Wars toys – Obi-Wan Kenobi is going to feel my force if he doesn’t find his way back to the toy box!

With Easter and warmer weather around the corner, there are some great events coming up. The great big bird watch is on the 30th and 31st January. This is a great way to get children out and interested in the wildlife. The Snowdrop festival in Cambo estate starts on the 30th January with thousands of snowdrops carpeting the woodland. They can be seen at night between 11th and 15th February too at the lovely Snowdrops by Starlight event.

This issue is also packed with great ideas for birthday parties. Whether you have an active 8 year old, a singing 1 year old, or a dramtic 5 year old, there is something for everyone. And don’t forget the cake and balloons for the big day, these will guarantee a smile on the birthday child’s face!

To encourage you outdoors, we also have lots of information about the great Loch Ore Meadows. This is a great loch to cycle round for young riders, my 5 year old loves it here. There is also an in depth guide to fostering if you are considering this.

So put the kettle on, have a seat and enjoy reading this great issue while the children battle the stormtroopers in the other room!

louisa

Welcome & contents

Contact us Editor: Louisa [email protected]: 07881 827 627Front cover: Image supplied by Mark Quinnwww.markquinnphotography.comDesign: White Creative www.whitecreativecompany.co.ukCirculation: 13,000 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: Mar-Apr 2016 Booking deadline: 10 February Out: 01 March Families Fife is part of Families Magazines Ltd a franchise company. All franchised magazines in the group are independently owned and operated under licence. Families ® is a registered trademark of Families Magazines Ltd, Temple House, Regatta Place, Marlow Road, Bourne End, Bucks SL8 5TD. The contents of Families Fife are fully protected by copyright and non of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of the publisher. We take every care preparing this magazine but the publishers and distributors cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents nor for any consequence.’

Welcome to FamIlIes FIFe, 2Perth & KInrossneWs and VIeWs 4All the latest goings on in the New Year

lochore meadoWs UncoVered 5Wrap up warm and get outdoors

neW Year, neW YoU 6How to fit exercise into your busy life

Parent to Parent 7Featuring Louise Cuthbertson who runs Kids Bee Happy Sand Art

BIrthdaY PartY GUIde 8-11How to throw a party everyone loves

FosterInG 12Could you fill the gap in a child’s life?

clUBs & classes 13Great ideas for dancing and performing arts

oUt and aBoUt 14Round up of events over the coming months

ViolinTheory

Saxophone

FlutePiano

DOES YOUR CHILD WANT TO LEARN A

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT?

Try music lessons from your homewhere we bring a professional music teacher to you online in live video calls. Get traditional face-to-face ‘feel’ lessons mixed with the benefits of online. of online.

www.yourspacemusiclessons.com

Qualified, experienced and DBS checked teachers

ready to meet you

Register now for a 2016 placeand get a free 20 minute

Skype introduction. TRY US!

Bagpipes/chanter

OboeGuitar

Accordion

photographer?

Tel: 01383 741900 | www.lauristonnursery.com

165 Robertson RoadDunfermlineFife KY12 0BL

Lauriston Nursery

Fife, Perth & Kinross


news & Views lochore Meadows uncovered

lauriston Nursery is a purpose built nursery with four playrooms, gym

hall facilities, a secure garden and CCTV, both indoors and outdoors. Our qualified staff work in partnership with parents to provide quality learning experiences based around the Pre-birth to three Curriculum, the Curriculum for Excellence and children’s interests and development. Parent involvement is extremely important to us and we strive to keep parents involved in the nursery life. Our electronic learning journeys allow parents to be actively involved in their child’s nursery day which can be accessed using our secure online site or a smart phone app. Observations, photographs, meals, nappies, sleeps and any other relevant information can be recorded in each child’s file.

No appointment needed for a look around so feel free to pop along for more information.

Lauriston Nursery

Kilgraston School

Kumon offers individualised worksheet-based maths and English study programmes which are tailored to all ages and

abilities. Established for over 50 years, the Kumon programmes enable children to develop their study skills and confidently tackle advanced work.

Fife’s Kumon Study Centres are offering a two-week Free Trial for new students enrolling between Monday 1 - 29 February. Why not take advantage of this opportunity and find out what your child can achieve through the Kumon Maths and English Programmes?

Kilgraston School is a happy, active environment where girls

aged 3 to 18 thriveboth academically and in the

wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. Right

from the early years of the Prep School, girls benefit from Kilgraston School’s modern

facilities and specialist and inspiring teachers. Our Open Day on Saturday 30th January, 10am - 2pm is the perfect

opportunity to explore Kilgraston School and see what we have to offer.

Big garden Birdwatchlast year over half a million

people took part in the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch, spotting more than 8.5 million birds across the UK, and the organisers are hoping this year’s watch will be a record-breaking event.

This year’s survey takes part on 30 and 31 January. To take part, simply spend one hour

Free trial at your loCal Kumon study Centre get Outdoors

Lochore Meadows Country Park

Fun for all the family in the heart of Fife

Discover more at Lochore Meadows

Lochgelly, Fife, KY5 8BA Tel: 01592 583343

The Fife Coast & Countryside Trust are a local charity, based at the

Harbourmaster’s House in Dysart, dedicated to giving everyone the opportunity to experience Fife’s great outdoors. We manage many sites and paths throughout the Kingdom including the Fife Coastal Path, Lochore Meadows Country Park, the Lomond Hills Regional Park and several Local Nature Reserves.

Lochore Meadows is a fabulous, fun day out for the whole family to enjoy with a wealth of activities including walking and biking trails, playgrounds, fishing, boating and water-sports. All on a 1200 acre site with its own beach and ruined castle! The park also has a shop, café and picnic areas and many of the trails are accessible for wheelchairs and buggies. Visit the website for more information at www.lochoremeadows.org.

What was once an industrial area has been transformed into a breathtaking country park which offers something for everyone regardless of age, ability or inclination.

What’s more it’s absolutely free!With the loch at its centre, Lochore Meadows Country Park offers a huge range of different activities. From walking, bird watching, and geo-caching, to cycling, paddling and playing in the park or enjoying a picnic or barbeque with friends and family. We even have a beach!

Why not book a tee time on our fabulous 9 hole golf course or try out a spot of fishing on the stocked loch. There are a range of watersports activities, courses and training available at Lochore Meadows including sailing, open canoeing, kayaking and open water swimming.

Within the park you will also find an incredible variety of habitats such as wildflower meadows, parkland and ancient woodlands. Much of the park is suitable for wheelchairs and buggies, and we also provide

all-terrain mobility scooters for hire to help you get around.

With over 1200 acres to explore, it’s no wonder that Lochore Meadows is Fife’s most popular free visitor attraction. Come along and find out why!

Whatever you are into, our sites are great places to start your adventure in Fife. Check out our websites and facebook and twitter for ideas and get out there! www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk

‘Whatever you are into, our sites are great places to start your adventure in

Fife.’

Nursery Open DaySaturday 30th January

10am - 2pm

For further information, or to arrange a visit, please contact Mrs Barbara McGarva, Head of

Admissionson 01738 812257 or [email protected]

Early Years Grant Available

Kilgraston School - Bridge of Earn - Perth - PH2 9BQwww.kilgraston.com

Are you looking for childcare that is flexible, affordable andfits around your family�s needs?

“I work shifts so needed flexible childcare that could work aroundmy hours. I looked at local nurseries butthe hours didn’t meet my needs. For a while I thought I’d have to give up work…

“Then I met my childminder. She could work aroundmy shift pattern and, best of all, my daughterabsolutely loves her!

“I’m so glad Amy attends a childminding service. It’s so reassuring to know she is well looked after, in ahome-from-home environment, while I’m at work.” Amy’s mum, Glenrothes

Childminders are professional childcarers, registered with the Care Inspectorate, who work from theirown homes. They offer high-quality care and your child will benefit from low adult-to-child ratios and avariety of important developmental experiences.

Find your local childminders using SCMA’s Childminder Search Service atchildminding.org

Families Mag_Fifepage 1

Monday, 30 November 2015 11:54CyanMagentaYellowBlack

counting the birds in your garden or local park, and record the

highest number of each bird species seen at any one time. The morning is the best time to look, when the birds are out and about feeding after a cold winter night.

To sign up for a free Big Garden Birdwatch 2016

pack, go to www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch


Why you LikE LivinG WhErE you do?It is close to family and friends and it has good transport links. It’s a lovely, quiet area and we’re very lucky to have great neighbours. FavouriTE park: Ravenscraig Park is lovely and it has a good play area. It’s great for walks and has a beach too. FavouriTE ChiLdrEn’s CLuB/CLass: My children love going to gymnastics classes and they really enjoy Musical Steps with Rhona Bain. Her classes always seem to engage them and keep them interested and they learn lots about the different instruments too. FavouriTE day ouT: It has to be Active Kids Adventure Park in Stanley. There is loads to do for toddlers including jelly bellies, push along tractors, and a great play park. The indoor soft play is also good for the kids to run off some steam when the weather isn’t so nice.

FavouriTE ChiLd FriEndLy rEsTauranT: Clapton Caravan Park in St. Andrews is great for taking the kids out for a meal. It has a great children’s menu and lots to entertain the kids. The indoor soft play area as well as outdoor play area and bouncy castle is good to let them burn off energy while they wait on their food.

FavouriTE niGhT ouT WiThouT ThE kids: It’s always good to get the occasional night off and enjoy a nice meal and a few drinks. BEsT pLanET savinG Tip: To grow your own veg, they always taste much better than shop bought ones. no parEnT shouLd BE WiThouT: Baby sleeping bags. They are great for kids who wriggle a lot when asleep. They keep them

warm enough throughout the night and also mean it Is harder for them to climb out of the cot! FavouriTE FaMiLy hoLiday spoT: Derbyshire was a great holiday for us. There is lots to do with the kids and it has lovely scenery. There are also great walks to go which the kids enjoy too. MosT LovEd ChiLdrEn’s Book: Can you see Sassoon? By Sam Usher, Little Tiger Press. Mr Big by Ed Vere, Puffin and Shark in the Park by Nick Sharratt, Picture Corgi are all favourites in our house. The kids love them and ask them to be read time and time again. BEsT ChiLdrEns’ TELEvision proGraMME: It has to be Thomas the tank engine and Peppa Pig. They always have great story lines and keep the kids entertained for a little while. MosT pLayEd WiTh Toys: They love playing with their train sets. We have a Brio set and a Happyland one. Both kids love them and they have been so well used. BiGGEsT WasTE oF MonEy: A buggy board. My daughter refused to use it when our son was born and just wanted to walk everywhere. MosT suCCEssFuL Food: Fish goujons have been great for my kids. They are great finger food for any toddler and it’s a good way to introduce them to fish.

any oThEr CoMMEnT: Kids Bee Happy Sand Art painting is a new and amazing way to entertain children at home, at birthday parties or events. Packs of pictures with sand pens are also available. Find me on facebook to find out more information. www.facebook.com/sandartlouise

Louise Cuthbertson is a mum to Annabel and Fraser (3&1). She lives in Kirkcaldy with her husband and is an independent consultant for Kids Bee Happy Sand Art. She is also an independent Usborne Organiser. In her spare time she also volunteers with Girlguiding.

Parent to Parent

it seems as soon as Christmas Day is over, two types of advertisement start to appear

on the Television; the first are for holidays for the following summer, showing gorgeous people in tiny bikinis and trunks, cavorting across golden sands. The others – yes, you’ve guessed it. Weight loss.

It’s no surprise that the fitness industry targets us just as we throw ourselves, groaning with overeating, onto the sofa for a few hours of feel-good films. Their research shows that most people start a new exercise regime in January, with a huge boost in gym memberships around that time. It seems there is something motivational in having a whole new year to look ahead to and many of us start of with great new resolutions – even if they fall by the wayside by March.

Add to this the complication of being a busy mum – and when, for goodness sake, are you going to find the time for a new fitness regime to shift those few pounds you put on over the Winter or to get the baby weight off? Don’t despair, we have a few great ideas.

ÊÊpreparation is keyBefore you start any kind of exercise routine, check with your doctor (or midwife if you’re pregnant) that it’s OK. If you’re recently given birth, wait until after your six week check-up. If you had a C-section or other complications, you might want to wait a while longer. Always start with stretches to warm your muscles and don’t overdo anything. If you start to hurt, it’s your body’s way of telling you to stop. Start with a small, short routine and gradually increase the time you spend and the intensity of your work-out.

ÊÊLet’s swapChances are your nearest and dearest may also be feeling the belt pinch. So talk through your desires for a little time to yourself to get a little fitter and suggest you swap. He has the kids while you go to the gym, for a swim, for a long walk in the woods – whichever you feel you like the most. Then do the same for him another day. If you’re single, could you and a friend swap exercise times?

ÊÊdo what you likeIt may sound obvious but choose an activity you actually enjoy. If you join a spinning class, can’t keep up, end up red in the face and aching all over and dread going back, it’s not the right exercise for you. Try out a few different classes – everything from kick boxing to zumba is available these days, in gyms and church halls – and then pick the one you like the most. If you have joined a gym, you might find it works better to do a different thing each time. Try to include something that gets your heart racing, something stretchy and something that involves weights.

ÊÊkids come too Can’t palm the kids off onto a relative? Want to get a few more steps done this week? Take the kids with you. Go to a local park with scooters and bikes and baby in a pushchair and walk around the outside of the park, encouraging the kids to race you. Not only will you all get an oxygen boost, they will sleep really well that night.

ÊÊusing babyIf you are stuck at home quite a lot with a very young baby and don’t yet feel ready for the communal changing rooms, try some exercises at home. There are quite a few post-natal exercise DVDs now that start you off gently and most importantly, know how to support and strengthen your body as it returns to your pre-pregnancy shape. Pop in the DVD, do a few exercises and have your baby on a play mat next to you so that you’re still close. You can even use your baby to strengthen your arms by lifting her over and over – and she’ll love it too!

ÊÊQuick burstsThe time when your baby naps can be great for a quick burst – one of the hottest new fitness trends right now. Do push-ups against the wall or on your knees, use small weights to tighten arms (tins of beans work just as well), do squats and a few yoga poses for flexibility and strength in your core.

ÊÊThree of the best post-baby fitness dvdspregnancy health yoga dvd £14.99, Tara LeeA very comprehensive DVD that offers a choice of eight workout routines all suitable for pregnancy. It promises not just to strengthen your muscles but to give you more energy and help you relax too. It includes a birth visualisation by Dr Gowri Motha, the creator of the Gentle Birth Method too.

My pre & post natal Workouts £34.99,davina McCallYou name the reason for exercise, Davina has made a DVD for it. But she really does know quite a bit about fitness during pregnancy and afterwards. In this DVD, Davina and her personal trainer Jackie Wren show you how to do a workout in two sections for before and after you have your baby. Well thought out and well presented.

post natal pilates £9.99, Caroline sandryPilates is a very powerful form of exercise that gives you great strength in your core, abdominal muscles and also has the muscle lengthening effects of yoga. This DVD offers safe and effective exercises designed to be used at different stages, from right after birth or as soon as you feel able. Stage one

works on your pelvic floor and the muscles of the pelvis and abdomen. Stage two checks that those muscles are getting back to normal and then moves on to improving their strength and tone. There are also two workouts to get you breathing hard and that oxygen coursing around your body to help with the healing process.

ÊÊdumbbells Reebok, £5.05Weighing from one to five kilos, these weights are ideal for banishing the bingo wings. Get pumping! They come in five colours – one colour for each weight.

ÊÊrowing action ExerciserPineapple, £12This little gadget will help you get fitter at home and will tuck away under the bed when not in use. It can be used in a rowing motion to help tone your thighs, bottom, abdominal muscles and back.

ÊÊpilates stretch BandsCalmia, £8.10Use this oversized stretch bands to give you resistance to help tighten abdominals, tone your arms and back and shoulders and slim your legs and behind. In three colours.

Health & Wellbeing

BY SALLY J. HALL

new Year – new You?How to start a new exercise regime when you’re a busy mum


Birthday parties

it’s difficult to know how to keep kids entertained at parties. It’s even more

difficult to know how to change the format of the party as kids get older. At what age do face paints and musical statues no longer cut it? For which age group would you book an entertainer? And when do you move from a party to an outing?

When it comes to birthday parties, we’ve learnt over the years that a can-do attitude and great planning is what’s needed.

Try to ensure that you don’t give yourself too much of a nightmare. When they are young, you may want to restrict how many friends your child invites (though of course often we end up inviting the whole class, because that’s what everyone else does) and you’ll want to be sensible about how long it lasts; an hour is plenty for pre-schoolers and those in the first couple of years of Infant school.

Birthday Party PizazzHow to make your parties age-appropriate

ÊÊpre-schoolWith small children, the key is to keep things simple. It’s fine to have the party at home. If you don’t feel you have the energy or expertise to organise party games then there are great local party organisers to hand who will provide plenty of songs, music, singing, dancing, arts and crafts. Or you can get creative – why not try dressing up, a treasure hunt, face painting and simple games. If you choose pass the parcel, don’t feel you have to include a prize in every layer (though if you do, make sure each child gets one!) so why not return to the old-fashioned idea of a forfeit for each child – they could sing their favourite song or make animal sounds. Then you can have one prize at the end. When it’s time for tea, put out sandwiches and savoury food first, keeping the sweet treats out of sight until after they have eaten. Unless you love baking, do buy

or make the cake as everyone will love it, especially when covered in birthday candles. At the party’s close, give each guest a small gift or party bag with a piece of the cake in it. For the birthday child, it’s a good idea to put their presents to one side as guests bring them and open them after everyone has gone. You can even save some for the following days.

ÊÊ4-7 yearsAn entertainer comes into their own with this age group as they will keep the kids amused and busy until it’s time for tea. If a professional entertainer is out of your price bracket, ask a friend or relative to take on the task and plan out some games and activities

beforehand. There are other ideas you could choose if you want something more unusual; pony riding, a bouncy castle or in the summer a water party will be fun. Pass the parcel remains a firm favourite for this age group but other games such as pin the tail on the donkey and a Piñata will be a hit.

ÊÊ8-11 yearsOften what a September-born child does for a birthday sets the precedent for the rest of the class, so be aware of what’s popular! Book a hall or have it at home depending on your numbers and bravado, or you could find an active party at a local sports centre. Perhaps they could all try indoor kart racing or nerf wars. You might want to take them to a cinema showing, or visit a restaurant that will teach them to make pizza or chocolate shapes. How about a summer water party in

the garden? If you do have the party at

home, some ideas for games for this age group include the Chocolate Game (roll a six, dress up in hat, scarf and gloves, eat the chocolate with a knife and fork, Chubby Bunnies (stuff one more marshmallow in each time and try saying that without actually eating them) and The Flour Game (cut shards off the flour cake until the coin balanced on top falls. The person responsible retrieves it using only their mouth). Feed them on simple pizza and finish with a make-your-own ice cream sundae – you’ll need ice cream plus sauces and toppings.

ÊÊTeenAs always with teenagers, it is all about communication – ha! Sometimes this is easier said than done. Some will want to do what all their friends are doing, while others would like to do something entirely different. Activities outdoors such as paint balling or Go Ape, the cinema, bowling and theatre can offer this.

Emma oliver is a journalist who has worked for various magazines and websites, mainly covering travel and parenting. she is also a mum to two young girls. When she's not off gadding she can be found blogging- WritingLifeasitis.blogspot.co.uk

Lynda/Pamela on 0794 282 [email protected]

www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

Classes in Dunfermline,Dalgety Bay & Kirkcaldyfor 1-2.5 yrs & 2-5 yrs

Birthday Parties for 2-10 yearsLots of different arts & craft

themes to choose from!

Art, Craft & Messy Play

Now open in Dundee,call 01382 597 557 or visit

www.scotkart.co.uk for brilliantBirthday Parties! (age 8+)

Bluemoon Occasions

Venue styling & Party balloonsT: 07967 444704

E: [email protected]

BY EMMA OLIvER

Creative Cakes by Katherine

T: 07872 925318 E: [email protected]: www.creativecakesbykatherine.co.uk

Creative Cakes by Katherine

like a lot of you, as a parent I have been to

and thrown many, many children’s parties. Most have been amazing - some less so.

There are two things that seem to play a huge part of a successful party - planning and luck.

I am a meticulous planner but that doesn’t stop the rain falling/ the birthday cake not rising/ the car not starting/the birthday child being in a disgusting mood and wanting everyone to go home...

10 lessons i have learnt:1. Pick a date and let

everyone know as early as

possible. 2. It is really annoying when people don’t RSVP.

3. An uninvited sibling will inevitably end up staying so have a spare party bag or two.How can you turn away that sad little face? However, you are allowed to say no to extras.4. The bruises and mental scarring of dragging the screaming, kicking sibling who wasn’t allowed to stay home will eventually fade. One day.5. Don’t put too much food out. Either lots will get wasted or one child will eat until they are sick. 6.Two hours is plenty for a party. Plenty! 7. Party bags are a necessary evil. They are loved by kids. Less so parents. 8. Gifts - no one will believe you when you say that you’d much rather they gave £1 - £2 to put into a birthday pot so that

birthday boy/girl can buy one present. 9. Party Entertainers/venues are worth their weight in gold.They are the experts. 10. It’s your child’s day.I asked one of my daughters what her favourite birthday party has been - she told me she liked the one where I made an Incredibles cake, and the one where she got to dress up and sit in a throne, and the one at the soft play centre, and the one where I decorated the room as a fairy palace...

My parties have been a bit stressful, niggly, and not quite to plan. But for my children they have been wonderful, memorable, fun days full of friends, cake and a bit of magic. So, there’s lesson number 11 - it’s not about me.

To advertise here call Louisa on

07881 827 627

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Birthday Parties

doodle & splatGive your child a party to remember with Doodle & Splat, who have a have a wide range of themed arts & craft parties for ages 2-10 years, including:ÊÊ Prince & Princess: crowns and trinket

boxes/treasure chests to decorateÊÊ Under the Water: decorate wooden

treasure chests and make an underwater collageÊÊ Wildlife: decorate bird boxes or ceramic

animals and make animal masksÊÊ Decopatch: decorate an item of your

choiceÊÊ Plus lots more themes!

Alongside the main crafts we provide a wide a selection of imaginative play and sensory play activities. There are always plenty different activities to keep the children busy. With the party, everything that the children make, they get to take home - a lasting memory of the party and ideal gifts for their party bags!parties start at £70 for up to 10 children. For more details go to www.doodleandsplat.co.uk

scotkart Are you looking for an exciting and memorable Go Karting Birthday Party, offering a unique introduction to the thrilling world of motor sport?

Many of today’s Formula 1 Stars started

their motor sport careers in karting; amongst them Lewis Hamilton and Scotland’s own David Coulthard.

ScotKart offers the ideal introduction to this skilful sport, and brings to life all that practice on a PlayStation or X-Box! Indoor go kart parties at Scotkart in Dundee and Glasgow (Cambuslang and Clydebank) are hassle free, and 100% fun, whatever the weather!

Featuring state of the art racing karts your party will be kitted out with race suits and helmets, briefed, and then follow an experienced track marshal around the track to gain confidence and learn the racing line. Following a debriefing the kids will enjoy two more track sessions, and the fastest driver will be awarded a medal on the podium!

activity deliveredActivity Delivered are The Party Experts. In the last year we have run over 100 birthday parties in Edinburgh alone and are now serving the

whole central belt of Scotland as well as the Borders! We bring never-before seen parties to your location – making it easy for you and your friends! Check out our Ad for more details about our Nerf Wars, Zorb Ball and BoomCo parties! All our team are professional youth workers. They spend their lives working alongside young people in your community. By running events at the weekends with us it means not only does your party have the very best talent running them but we also help to subsidise their salaries, allowing them to continue changing young people’s lives in your community.

The Portable Activity Experts.Changing the Lives of Young People, One Event at a Time.www.activitydelivered.com Jo JinglesJo Jingles classes return for a new term of musical fun on Monday 4th January. If you are looking for a fun interactive activity for you and your little one why don’t you

come along and join us? Our classes include music, singing, percussion instruments, action songs, dancing and fun props too.

We have classes suitable for babies from 3 months to children age 5. Babies under 6 months pay no class fees for their first FOUR weeks.

We are also available for birthday parties and sessions at nurseries, playgroups and toddler groups too. see our website for class details www.jojingles.com/Fife Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with all our latest news www.Facebook.com/jojinglesfifeEmail [email protected], call Julie on 07713 147614

Bluemoon occasionsWe are a small, family run balloon business based in Dunfermline. Our aim is to provide our clients with exceptional service and quality products at a reasonable price.

We create party balloons and balloon decorations for a variety of events.

Whether it is one balloon, a special celebration arrangement or a whole decor setting for an event, we can provide this specialist service.

You provide the idea, we deliver with imagination.Call Gayle 07967 444 704 to discuss your requirements or arrange a meeting.Find us on facebook – Bluemoon occasions

deep sea WorldDeciding to hold your child’s birthday party at Deep Sea World is where the fun begins. Choose from one of our exciting Shark or Magical Mermaid themes in our new exclusive Party Room.All Birthday Parties include:ÊÊ A fun filled 30 minute themed

adventure tour of the aquarium ÊÊ A rockpool encounterÊÊ Dedicated party host ÊÊ Kids Lunch boxes ÊÊ Party games, if time available after the

tour with prizesÊÊ Themed party bags for the whole party

Our parties are suitable for ages 3 – 11 with a minimum number of 10 and maximum of 20 party guests.Have your kids party under the sea for a birthday party they will never forget!

great partyidea’s...

Creative Cakes by katherine

Families Fife loves nothing more than to hear about creative locals running

their own businesses from home. Katherine Pearson is local mum from Kirkcaldy, who runs a successful cake making and decorating business from home. With the popularity of baking at an all time high, due in great part to the addictive qualities of the Great British Bake Off, we set out to find out a bit more about mixing baking with business.

What’s your background? I have been making cakes for a number of years and my background is in hospitality. I completed my training at Adam Smith College and have worked in restaurants such as Rufflets Country House Hotel, The Peat Inn and The Three Chimneys. I also have a qualification in Creative Cake Decorating and have over 6 years professional experience in cake decorating. how did you get started making cakes? I have always made cakes for as long as I can remember. I started from a young age baking with my mum and granny. My passion for baking and creating then led me to catering college and to become a pastry chef. While I was working I was approached to make a birthday cake for one of my head chefs. I’m glad to say it was a great success and my cake decorating took off from there. After this I went to Squires Kitchen and completed a week long sugarcraft course down in Farnham. It was such a good experience, one I’d love to repeat. What is your favourite type of commission? I love making children’s cakes, as they can be any design and shape. From football cakes to fairy castles to a new ‘Minion’ shaped cake. Children have such good imaginations and can be very specific to what they want! did you enjoy The Great British Bake off and would you like to take part? I love The Great British Bake Off, I always watch it and I would love to take part in it. It would be an amazing experience and hard work - but I like a challenge. how much notice do you need for orders? I usually take around 2 weeks notice for cakes, but can be flexible as I work from home. I can deliver or people can pick up their cakes from me. To get in touch with katherine: phone number: 07872925318 Email: [email protected] Website: www.creativecakesbykatherine.co.uk Facebook: Creative Cakes by katherine

Here at Let’s Pretend we are now in our 10th year of taking the stress out of

organising your child’s party, so if you’re looking for something different checkout our website for fantastic fun filled party

options.Dressing up, arts & crafts, sparkly

makeovers & pamper parties Choose from our brilliant value for

money packages. Call and book your date then leave the rest to us!

For extra value we are offering Free Birthday Child - quote promotional

code PT1215 at the time of booking.

We look forward to meeting you.visit our website www.lets-pretend.co.uk

Facebook – Let’s pretend themed children’s parties

or call amanda on 07977 203 440

Let’s pretend


eVERY child needs support and encouragement to grow up safely, happily

and to achieve their own personal goals. Unfortunately for some children, that

nurture and care is simply not available to them while they are living in with their own families.

At Aberlour, we are committed to getting it right for those children. With your help, we can make a difference to vulnerable, neglected and traumatised children, through foster care.

Fostering is a way of offering children and young people a home when their own family is unable to look after them. At Aberlour Fostering we have an excellent reputation for caring for children and, with your help, we can assist many more.

Our foster carers are part of a very special team and Aberlour Fostering provides the backing of experienced social workers, family workers, therapists, teachers and health advisers to ensure that all aspects of a child’s needs are met.

Could you be part of our team and help fill the gap in a child’s life?

We urgently need foster carers from a wide range of backgrounds, who share a determination to give love and stability to a child.ÊÊ You may be single,

married or be in a long term stable relationship. ÊÊ You may have children

of your own or have life or work experiences which give you the skills for fostering.ÊÊ You must be at least 21 years of age.ÊÊ You must be able to offer a child a room

of their own within your home.ÊÊ You may be employed but at least one

foster carer must be available within the home to provide full-time care.ÊÊ You will be located in Fife, Perthshire,

Dundee, Edinburgh or Central Scotland areas.ÊÊ You will have a real interest in helping

children in difficulty and be keen to receive the training and support on offer.

Being a foster carer is rewarding – but it can also be challenging. At Aberlour Fostering we offer training and support to enable our carers to cope with the needs of even the most challenging child. It’s a tried and tested approach that supports you, your family and

the young person to make a real success of a fostering placement.

To help you make a success of a foster care placement we provide:

• A foster care fee of £1,958.58 per month and maintenance allowance of £839.56 per month to cover the cost of caring for a childÊÊ A set-up allowance of up to £500 ÊÊ 24-hour support from our dedicated staff

teamÊÊ Weekly visits from an Aberlour Fostering

Social WorkerÊÊ Access to short break supportÊÊ Extensive training and support to attain

SvQ level 3 in Caring for Children and Young People and HNC in Social CareÊÊ Educational support for the child

whether in our own school or within mainstream educationÊÊ Access to therapy programmes such

as Creative Therapy or tailored services to help the child in placement e.g. supervising

family contactÊÊ Administrative support

from our service offices in Kirkcaldy

Foster carer Pauline has been looking after Ross for six years. She said: “Ross brings life to our house – he keeps me involved in the community, in school. He is very active, which keeps us active. He’s been invited to cub camp twice and is now taking part in swimming galas and winning medals, which is a

great achievement for him.“Our hopes are to see Ross into adult life

like I did with my own family and give him all the hope that I had for my children. He’s settled well into the family. My girls view him as a little brother and he views them as big sisters. We all go out as one big family. I’m spending time with my own children and grandchildren and Ross is benefiting because he’s getting a family life.

“The Aberlour training is invaluable - I enjoy it thoroughly. Aberlour Fostering offers a 24-hour telephone helpline - if we’re having a bad day we can call up and someone will come out or give us some advice. In the early days especially, you can come across things you’ve never had to deal with before.

“There are highs and lows to fostering – but the highs are great. People say to us Ross is lucky to be here but we feel lucky.”

Who hasn’t dreamed of being a Prima Ballerina when wafting around our

bedroom in a synthetic net tut? How can you find out what class is best for your child? Read on to find the perfect dance space for your Baby.

ÊÊTiny dancerWhen your child is very young, shuffling around on tip toe while wafting their hands or pretending to be a tiger is about as much as you can ask for. A dance or acting class will keep them keen and entertained – and going back each week. Expect to have to stay for these classes.

Try 1st Steps – classes in Kinross, Torryburn, Glenrothes and Dalgety Bay. Classes help enhance your child’s coordination and sense of rhythm in a fun and relaxed session (find us on facebook).

Stagecoach also offers dance, acting and singing as a part of its syllabus with classes from four to 18 years (stagecoach.co.uk).ÊÊstarting to get more serious

If your child wants to carry on dancing or acting, start looking at a class where they can take grades or get involved with productions. For ballet there’s the Royal Academy of Dance (rad.org.uk) or for modern dance, Imperial Society Modern Theatre & Tap Dance (istd.org). If they aren’t motivated by grades, find a class that won’t get boring. Street and jazz dance are great and they can try out

holiday classes where they do different activities. All-round schools are also options where they learn to sing, act and dance.ÊÊroyal Ballet associates training

If your child is thinking about a career in dance, the Royal Ballet runs classes. The Associates Programme trains children aged eight to 15 (royalballetschool.org.uk).ÊÊBoy’s brigade

Dance is not just for girls and though your son may have to cope with teasing. There are plenty of roles for male dancers

on the stage, in TV and touring groups. The Boys’ Ballet school (boysballetlondon.com) teaches the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus.ÊÊWhat’s available?

If you’re not sure which style, take your child to a taster session.. And if they get older

and hang up their ballet shoes, why not encourage them to move on to a funkier style rather than give up dancing altogether?Ballet • Tap • Ballet and Tap • Modern Dance and Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop • Contemporary • Break Dance • Street Dance • Commercial Dance (a blend of Street and Hip Hop).

sally J. hall is a writer and editor who has written for all the main parenting titles as well as The independent and The Mail. she is author of Eco Baby and contributing author to Watch My Baby Grow (dorling kindersley).

could you fill the gap in a child’s life?

clubs and classesFamily matters

Join us at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy

Classes in speech, drama and self confidence throughout Fife

www.helenogradyeastcentralscotland.co.uk01382 330052

community Use Schools in Dunfermline understand the challenges of being a working parent. That’s why they’ve come up with an exciting weekend menu of

activities for busy families. Area Manager, Scott Fenton, explains: “As working parents with 3 boys we always struggled to attend mid-week classes. Fortunately I was in a position to act so we came up with a weekend programme of activities for pre-school & primary kids”.

The classes at Queen Anne and Dunfermline High School provide a learning pathway which allows kids to attend different activities as they grow – gymnastics, drama, football & art. Parents can attend some activities with their kids, watch them enjoying learning new skills or grab a freshly ground coffee and hot morning roll (and some peace!) at our modern cafes.

A new block of weekend classes start at the end of January so contact your local Community Use School today.

your weekend starts here…

did you know that lots of grown ups worry about going somewhere on their own; are shy

of meeting new people; don’t know what to say in a conversation; hate going alone into a room full of people; are anxious about places where they don’t know anyone or are afraid of trying something new?

Well, children can be daunted by this too!But taking Drama lessons can build up their

confidence, teach them how to approach new people; to be at ease, to know what to say; and make speaking fun!

Build up your child’s confidence and help them to overcome shyness and anxiety through our unique and constructive programme. ring 01382 330052 for details or visit www.helenogradyeastcentralscotland.co.uk

Shy grown ups and confident children

doodle and Splat

dancing feet Some great ideas for starting your child’s love of dance and performing arts

BY SALLY J. HALL

if travelling to music teachers is costing you a great deal of time, have you tried a

new way for you and your family to learn? With Your Space Music Lessons we work with a network of the very best music teachers, like Padruig Morrison who teaches piano and accordion from the Western Isles, and other top musicians around the UK and we specialise in live video call lessons. These are 30 minute one-to-one sessions which take the feel and format of face to face lessons but mixed with the benefits of online. Pupils need a PC, laptop or large tablet to take lessons along with good Internet connection. We teach piano, keyboard, flute, bagpipes / chanter, accordion, violin, saxophone and we continue to add teachers and new instruments as we grow.

all families readers are entitled to a free 20 minute lesson with a music teacher to experience what it’s like to learn with your space Music Lessons. register online today at www.yourspacemusiclessons.com/user/register and state ‘families fife’ in additional information. When any families reader registers with us they will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win 3 music lessons, so don’t delay register today. The deadline to enter is January 31st 2016. Good luck.

The answer to music lessons in remote and rural parts of Fife

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 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 families and friends. There’s nothing better than seeing your wee ones faces light up with pride when they show off their creations!

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 stress about the mess! For more information about the classes see our website www.doodleandsplat.co.uk, email [email protected] or call 0794 282 5114.


you skills to revamp your clothes and make something completely new, unique and useful. Booking is required. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

20 FebruaryCupars Farmers’ Market, 9am – 1pmCupar is by tradition a market town and the farmers market sits well in the town centre setting, with up to 30 stallholders offering a great range of produce it is a busy market. Crossgate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5HA www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

27 Februarykirkcaldy Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pmThe Fife Farmers’ Markets attract specialist suppliers offering a wide variety of high quality produce. The Town Square, Kirkcaldy, Town Square, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1XW www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

28 FebruaryWildlife Explorers: Make your own id key, 1 - 3pm Come along and make a book filled with information on how to identify different things you would come across as you went out for a walk.To join the wildlife explorer club email [email protected]. RSPB Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, By Loch Leven, Near Kinross, Perth & Kinross, KY13 9LX01577 862355, www.rspb.org.uk

2-3 Marchpeppa pig’s surprise, Wed 1pm & 4pm, Thur 10am & 1pmSurprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in Dunfermline in a brand new live stage show, Peppa Pig’s Surprise. £16 + booking fee. The Alhambra Theatre, 33 Canmore Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7NX01383 740384, www.alhambradunfermline.com

5 MarchMusa young archaeologist - Bird spotting, 1.30 - 3.30pm Bring your binoculars or borrow a pair from MUSA and discover the joys of birdwatching. Ranger Tony Wilson will guide you in identifying and spotting birds. Please wear clothing suitable for the weather conditions and sensible footwear. Starts and ends at MUSA. Suitable for all ages, but children should be accompanied by an adult. Free, but booking required. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

Mrs.Mash who will lead wassailers through the orchard with fun and merrymaking for all the family. We’ll also be sharing some apple themed refreshments. The Ravenscraig Park, Dysart Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 2TA www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

25 Januarysew and repair 3: hems and shortening, 6.30 - 8.30pm Our sewing experts will teach you the skills to make simple alterations so you can reuse your favourite clothes for longer. Booking is required as spaces are limited. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

27 JanuaryJanuary Closet Clearout, 4 - 7pm Bring your old clothes along to our donate and swap event and let someone else love them instead. Anything left we’ll distribute to the local charity shops. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

30 JanuaryBig Garden Birdwatch at Loch Leven, 10am - 4pm 10-12pm: Meet our wild feathered friends: Don’t miss this unique opportunity to get up close to nature on the reserve. 10 am – 4 pm: In celebration of our annual garden survey we’ll be giving out tips to help you to get to know your garden birds. 2-4pm Give nature a home in your garden by building a wooden nest box to take away. £5 a box. Places limited. RSPB Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, By Loch Leven, Near Kinross, Perth & Kinross, KY13 9LX01577 862355, www.rspb.org.ukComputer Fix – it drop-in, 10am-12pmIs your laptop, tablet or smartphone going slow, not working or has a fault? Would you like to get it fixed to save you from throwing it away? Our IT experts Sherv and Brian will be on hand to make basic repairs and fix common computer issues if they can. Bring your laptop, smartphone or tablet. Philp Hall, Heggies Wynd,, Kirkcaldy, East Midlands, KY1 1QX www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.ukkilgraston nursery, prep and senior school open day To register or for further information, please contact Mrs Barbara McGarva. Kilgraston School, Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, PH2 9BQ 01738 812257, www.kilgraston.com snowdrop Festival, 10am - 5pmOur annual Snowdrop Spectacular! Every Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun from 30 January. Cambo Estate, Kingbarns, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8QD www.camboestate.com

31 JanuaryWildlife Explorers: homes for birds, 1 - 3pmIt’s that time of year again! Big Garden Bird Watch. We will be building our own bird houses

30/31 decembersanta’s sleepover show FUNBOX - formerly of The Singing Kettle - are having a sleepover and you are all invited! Perth Concert Hall, Mill Street, Perth, PH1 5HZ - 30 Decemberwww.horsecross.co.ukThe Alhambra Theatre, 33 Canmore Street, Dunfermline, KY12 7NX – 31 Decemberwww.alhambradunfermline.com

1 JanuaryLoony dook Lochore Meadows Country Park, Lochore, Lochgelly, Fife, KY5 8BA 01592 583343www.lochoremeadows.orgLimekilns Breakfast dip 2016, 12-6pmLimekilns Beach, KY11 3HJ

7 Januarysew and repair Taster event, 1.30am and 2pmOur sewing experts Gabbi and Claire will teach you some basic stitches and help you sew and make a home decoration, tote bag or simple corsage from old fabrics. The Mercat Shopping Centre, High Street, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1NJ www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk, phone 01592 858458, email [email protected]

9 January arty saturdays, 1-3pm Every sat from 9 January to 27 February Can you collage a croft or sketch a Scottish city? Draw, stick and build bonnie creations. Gateway Galleries, North Haugh, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9RJ 01334 461660www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musadunfermline Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pmIn a beautiful setting the Dunfermline market is ideally situated and makes a great place before entering the park to stop off and browse through the stalls. Glen Gates, Bridge Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 8AQ www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

10 Januaryout of the Box - Magical Masks, 1-3pmWould you like to be a kind king, a beautiful bride or a clueless clown? Find out how Korean people used masks to tell stories and drive away evil spirits, then design your own funny or scary mask to take home. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

11 Januarysew and repair 1: hand sewing, 6.30 - 8.30pmThe class is suitable for beginners starting out with sewing, or those looking to refresh their skills. Booking is required as spaces are limited. This class is part of a 6 week programme of classes offering you the chance to learn basic skills to sew, repair and upcycle your clothes. You can book onto a single class or on to the whole 6 week programme. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk, 01592 858458

13 Januarynature tots: Wiggly Worms, 10am - 12pm Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons. This monthly event starts with a story and is packed with creative ideas, getting outside and playing in nature. Booking strongly recommended, though not essential. RSPB members £3, non members £6 (per family).RSPB Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, By Loch Leven, Near Kinross, Perth & Kinross, KY13 9LX01577 862355, www.rspb.org.uk

16 JanuaryComputer Fix – it drop-in, 10am - 2pmIs your laptop, tablet or smartphone going slow, not working or has a fault? Would you like to get it fixed to save you from throwing it away? Our IT experts Sherv and Brian will be on hand to make basic repairs and fix common computer issues if they can. Bring your laptop, smartphone or tablet. Greener Kirkacaldy High Street Hub, 252a High Street, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1LA 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.ukCupar Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pmCupar is by tradition a market town and the farmers market sits well in the town centre setting, with up to 30 stallholders offering a great range of produce it is a busy market. Crossgate, Cupar, Fife, KY15 5HA www.fifefarmersmarket.co.ukMusa young archaeologist - aboriginal dot paintings, 1.30-2.15pm (ages 3 -6) 2.30-3.30pm (ages 7-12) Discover how this ancient Australian art form was used in storytelling and mapping and create your own dot painting to take home. Held at MUSA, free, but booking essential. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

18 Januarysew and repair 2: Machine sewing skills, 6.30 - 8.30pm Sewing instructors Claire and Gabbi will share their expertise on machine sewing. Bring along your machine and learn how to you use it, try basic stitches and learn how and when to use them, and practise on something to take away. Booking is required as spaces are limited. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

23 Januarykirkcaldy Farmer’s Market, 9am - 1pmThe Fife Farmers’ Markets attract specialist suppliers offering a wide variety of high quality produce. The Town Square, Kirkcaldy, Town Square, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1XW www.fifefarmersmarket.co.ukravenscraig Walled Garden, 1.30 - 3pmCome along and join in our Apple Tree Wassail at our community orchard. An apple wassail is a traditional celebration that involves stories, singing and poetry to encourage the good health of our apple trees and a flourishing apple harvest. We’ll be joined by storyteller

Out and About familiesfife.co.uk/whatson

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.

keep up to date with what’s on locally

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after we take part in the country wide bird survey. RSPB Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, By Loch Leven, Near Kinross, Perth & Kinross, KY13 9LX 01577 862355www.rspb.org.uk

1 Februarysew and repair 4: rips and Tears, 6.30 - 8.30pm Have you got clothes that are ripped or torn? The fourth class in our sew and repair programme will show you how to repair and hide rips and tears so you can continue wearing your clothes for longer. Booking is required as spaces are limited. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

5 FebruaryBaby Musa Time – animals, 10.15 - 11.15amHeld every month, Baby MUSA Time allows your little one to discover some of the fantastic things found in museums through stories, songs, art and messy play. This drop-in activity is for pre-school children and whoever looks after them. The MUSA Learning Loft provides a place to relax, park your buggy and enjoy time with your children. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

6 Februaryst andrews Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pmSt Andrews is a busy market with up to 30 stallholders attending each month, there is a wide choice of produce on show. Argyle St Car Park, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9BX www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

7 Februaryout of the Box - Chinese new year, 1 - 3pmDid you know 2016 is the year of the monkey in the Chinese zodiac? Celebrate Chinese New Year with some traditional crafts, discover which animal you are and what that means! MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

8 Februarysew and repair 5: upcycling, 6.30 - 8.30pmClaire and Gabbi will give you tips and advise on upcycling clothes and teach you skills to customise so you can reuse your favourite clothes and turn them into something new and unique. Booking is required as spaces are limited. St Bryce Kirk Centre, St Brycedale Ave, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET 01592 858458, www.greenerkirkcaldy.org.uk

10 FebruaryMusa young archaeologist - peruvian pottery, 1.30-2.15pm (ages 3 -6) 2.30-3.30pm (ages 7-12) Learn about the beliefs and customs of the Peruvian Incas from their pottery and make your own magical animal to protect your house. Held at MUSA, free, but booking essential.MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

nature tots: ducks, 10am - 12pm / rspB members £3, non members £6 (per family).Come along with your budding wildlife adventurers for a journey through the seasons. This monthly event starts with a story and is packed with creative ideas, getting outside and playing in nature. Booking strongly recommended, though not essential.RSPB Loch Leven, Vane Farm Nature Centre, By Loch Leven, Near Kinross, Perth & Kinross, KY13 9LX 01577 862355www.rspb.org.uk

11 FebruaryMusa young archaeologist - Fishing Challenge!, 1.30-2.15pm (ages 3 -6) 2.30-3.30pm (ages 7-12) Many Recording Scotland artworks depict traditional fishing scenes. Modern-day landlubbers can find out if they have what it takes to be a fisherman in this event. Pit yourself against our fishy tasks to see if your team can make the catch of the day. Held at the Gateway Galleries. Free, but booking essential. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musasnowdrops by starlight, From 11 - 15 February, 5.30pm onwards To the thousands of visitors to Cambo Snowdrops each February the series of walks through the70 acres of snowdrop woods on Cambo Estate are already an inspiring sight in daylight. Adult £ 12.50 Concession £ 10.50 Child (4 to 15 years) £ 6.50 Child (under 4) No ticket required. Cambo Estate, Kingbarns, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 8QD snowdropsbystarlight.com

12 FebruaryMusa young archaeologist - shoe Box Fife, 1.30-2.15pm (ages 3 -6), 2.30-3.30pm (ages 7-12) From pretty pastel terraces to imposing stone castles, the Kingdom of Fife has a look all of its own. Explore the different types of architecture that can be seen around the county and then try creating a building of your own or a miniature Fife village in a shoe box. Held at the Gateway Galleries. Free, but booking essential. MUSA, 7A The Scores, St Andrews, KY16 9AR www.st-andrews.ac.uk/musa

13 Februarydunfermlines Farmers’ Market, 9am - 1pmIn a beautiful setting the Dunfermline market is ideally situated and makes a great place before entering the park to stop off and browse through the stalls. Glen Gates, Bridge Street, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 8AQ www.fifefarmersmarket.co.uk

15 Februarysew and repair 6: Turn old clothes into something new, 6.30 - 8.30pmSewing experts Claire and Gabbi will give you tips and advise on upcycling clothes and teach

January & FEBruary 2016

16 | Families Fife Issue 35 www.familiesfife.co.uk • [email protected] • 07881 827 627

Fill the gap in a child’slife.

PHONE 01592 591500or email [email protected]/fostering

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer and want to find out about some of the benefits it offers, please contact the Aberlour Fostering team and fill the gap.

MEMBER Scottish Charity no: SC007991 / Company Reg no: SC312912

Aberlour advert - fostering supplement Oct 2014.indd 1 09/10/2014 15:23:11






SATURDAYS @ Queen Anne – 01383 602351 SUNDAYS @ Dunfermline High – 01383 602348

Starters (18 – 36 months) Starters (3 & 4 years)

Pre-School Gymnastics 0900 or 1000 Mini-Kickers Football 0930

Main Courses (3 & 4 years) Little Stars Drama 0930

Mini-Kickers Football 0900 or 1000 Main Courses (5 – 7 years)

Little Stars Drama 0900 Big Stars Drama 1015

Puddings (5 – 7 years) Football Coaching 1015

Big Stars Drama 0945 Pudding (5 – 11 years)

Football Coaching 0900, 1000 or 1100 Art’s Cool 1100

Only £3.15 per course (class!) with Fifestyle discounts available – call today to book your breakfast!

www.fifedirect.org.uk/cuschools

www.facebook.com/cuschools

Tweets by @CUSchoolsFife





















families fife jan-feb 2016 issue 35

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