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What’s On Where FOR FAMILIES AND SCHOOLS<br />
www.primarytimes.net<br />
Fife, Tayside and<br />
Central Scotland<br />
Find out<br />
more inside...<br />
PARENTING • EDUCATION • DAYS OUT • NEWS & REVIEWS<br />
WINTER ISSUE № 78<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE 21 Primary NOV <strong>2016</strong> Times - 30 JAN 2017 1
2<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
Dear Reader<br />
Welcome to our <strong>Winter</strong> <strong>2016</strong> issue. The year is nearly at an end, to be<br />
rounded off nicely with the festivities of the season. It hardly seems like<br />
five minutes ago that we started <strong>2016</strong>!<br />
As we approach the end of year we are delighted to bring you a plethora<br />
of events and activities happening across the region during the coming<br />
months. As always Santa will be visiting some key venues across the<br />
county – see adverts for details on the following pages.<br />
In our WOW section we have highlighted Christmas activities and events<br />
with symbols of wrapped presents and Christmas trees to help you and<br />
your family get into the festive spirit.<br />
Our regular Box Office section features lots of fantastic seasonal<br />
productions – a trip to the panto at Christmas time is a joy to behold.<br />
Plus we have a couple of great competitions for you to enter on page 20<br />
and 21.<br />
We would like to wish everyone a wonderful time over the festive season<br />
and we look forward to what 2017 will offer us.<br />
With very best wishes<br />
Marion, Anne, Sue, Linda<br />
THE PRIMARY TIMES TEAM<br />
Editor:<br />
Marion McAdam<br />
marion@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Sales:<br />
Anne Campbell<br />
ptfife@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Tel: 01355 579399<br />
Production:<br />
Sue Douglas<br />
ptproduction@schoolspublishing.co.uk<br />
Design:<br />
Linda McCreadie<br />
Primary Times in Fife,<br />
Tayside and Central Scotland,<br />
Schools Publishing Limited<br />
Unit 1A, Thamesview Industrial Estate<br />
Newtown Road<br />
Henley on Thames RG9 1HG<br />
Tel: 01491 411848 Fax: 01491 411416<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife<br />
...the UK’s biggest,<br />
free ‘what’s on’<br />
magazine for parents!<br />
Primary Times in Fife,<br />
Tayside and Central Scotland<br />
distributes more than 45,000<br />
copies six times a year, and is<br />
part of a national network<br />
distributing more than 2.7<br />
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across the UK and Ireland.<br />
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through national primary schools in Fife, Tayside<br />
and Central Scotland. It aims to inform families and children about current educational issues, forthcoming events,<br />
courses, attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding<br />
to its contents or by joining in the competitions. It is NOT our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based<br />
material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young<br />
families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools in Fife,<br />
Tayside and Central Scotland for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents.<br />
We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible.<br />
Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising<br />
artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or with the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently<br />
publishing 2.7 million copies per issue over 59 titles under franchise licences throughout Britain.<br />
Contents<br />
Inside this issue...<br />
CALLING ALL<br />
FAMILIES<br />
AND TEACHERS!<br />
Remember to send in<br />
your news for our news<br />
pages – we would love<br />
to hear from you!<br />
Don’t forget<br />
to visit us<br />
online at<br />
www.primarytimes.net<br />
/fife<br />
4 WOW: What’s on<br />
Where<br />
9 Education<br />
10 Santa’s Pinboard<br />
13 Loopy Library<br />
16 Where’s Santa?<br />
18 Box Office<br />
20 Competitions<br />
Youth Theatre<br />
Want to be part of something fun and exciting<br />
and build your confidence along the way?<br />
Whether you’re an<br />
outgoing person looking<br />
to let your imagination run<br />
wild or less outgoing and<br />
looking to build confidence<br />
and meet new friends, Fife<br />
College Youth Theatre may<br />
be exactly what you’re<br />
looking for!<br />
Day Venue Time Group<br />
Thursday* Halbeath Campus 5pm - 7pm 6 - 12 Years<br />
Thursday* Halbeath Campus 7pm - 9pm 13 - 18 Years<br />
Friday* Rothes Halls 6pm - 7.30pm 8 - 12 Years<br />
Friday* Rothes Halls 7.30pm - 9pm 13 - 18 Years<br />
Saturday Duloch Leisure Centre 11.15am - 12noon 3 - 7 Years<br />
Saturday Duloch Leisure Centre 12noon - 12.45pm 3 - 7 Years<br />
Saturday Duloch Leisure Centre 1pm - 3pm 8 - 16 Years<br />
*FREE tasters sessions are available for our Thursday<br />
and Friday night classes.<br />
For further information contact:<br />
melbradley@fife.ac.uk or call 0344 248 0126.<br />
CONTENTS<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 3
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
WOW!<br />
What’s on where...<br />
We check listings carefully but event details and prices may<br />
be subject to change. Please always check with the venue.<br />
21 – 27 Nov<br />
Book Week<br />
Dundee DD1<br />
During book week people of all ages and walk of<br />
life will come together in libraries, schools and<br />
community venues to share and enjoy books and<br />
reading. Please see website for full programme<br />
listing.<br />
wwwscottishbooktrust.com<br />
26 Nov<br />
St Andrew’s Day Fusion Festival<br />
Dundee City Square DD1 3BG<br />
Celebrating St Andrew’s Day with a fusion of music<br />
and dance to reflect the diversity that is found in<br />
Dundee. From 12 noon.<br />
www.dundeecity.gov.uk<br />
Saturday Fun Club<br />
Kennoway Primary School KY8 5LW<br />
Saturday Fun Club provides fun & games, arts &<br />
crafts both indoor and outdoor every Saturday<br />
Morning with qualified staff. All primary school<br />
aged children in Fife are welcome to come along.<br />
10am-12.30pm. Cost £3.55 per child.<br />
T: 01334 659352<br />
ww.fifedirect.org.uk<br />
1 Lantern Parade and Fireworks<br />
Mercat Shopping Centre KY1 1JA<br />
The lantern parade will begin at the Mercat<br />
Shopping Centre, move through the town and<br />
end in the Town Square where there will be a<br />
special performance of Kirkcaldy’s Christmas song<br />
‘Bringing of the Light’ and a fantastic firework<br />
display to mark the beginning of Christmas in<br />
Kirkcaldy. Parade starts 4.30pm with the firework<br />
display at 5.30pm.<br />
T: 01592 640040<br />
www.kirkcaldy4all.co.uk<br />
Young Archaeologist:<br />
Experimental Archaeology<br />
Museum of the University of St Andrews<br />
KY16 9AR<br />
Develop your archaeology skills and learn about<br />
people of the past. Free but booking essential.<br />
2-3pm. Suitable for ages 7-12 years.<br />
T: 01334 461660<br />
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum<br />
1 Christmas Lights Switch On<br />
Blairgowrie PH10 6ND<br />
Time to start off the Christmas spirit in Blairgowrie<br />
by celebrating the switching on of the Christmas<br />
lights which will happen around 4pm. 2-8pm.<br />
www.pkc.gov.uk<br />
Chatterbooks<br />
Bonnybridge Library FK4 1AD<br />
Free monthly book club. Suitable for ages 7-12<br />
years. 10.30am.<br />
T: 01324 503295<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
Lantern Making Workshops<br />
Stirling Old Town Jail FK8 1EA<br />
Workshops to create lanterns to be used in the<br />
Hogmanay Parade. All workshops will be run by<br />
experienced carnival artists. Sessions at 10am &<br />
1.15pm. Booking essential.<br />
www.stirlingwinterfestival.com<br />
1 26 – 27 Nov<br />
Mad Earl’s Crazy Christmas<br />
Kellie Castle KY10 2RE<br />
You are invited to the Mad Earl’s Crazy Christmas<br />
Party. Sunglasses essential. Tickets £9.50 adults,<br />
£4.50 children. 11am-4pm.<br />
T: 01333 720271 www.nts.org.uk<br />
Junior Fun Weekend<br />
Merchiston Castle School EH13 0PU<br />
Independent school for boys open weekend. An<br />
opportunity for families to see the school in action<br />
and to meet pupils and teaching staff. Booking<br />
essential.<br />
T: 0131 312 2201<br />
www.merchiston.co.uk<br />
27 Nov<br />
Out of the Box: Movember<br />
Museum of the University of St Andrews<br />
KY16 9AR<br />
Can you tell your ‘handlebar’ from your ‘painter’s<br />
brush’ moustache? Some characters from our<br />
collection have the facial hair to guide us through<br />
it. Find out about the men behind the moustaches<br />
then try making your own. 1-3pm.<br />
T: 01334 461660<br />
www.st-andrews.ac.uk/museum<br />
1 Dec<br />
Wild Woodland<br />
Quarrymill Woodland Park PH2<br />
Come and join RSPB staff for a morning of seasonal<br />
hands on nature exploration and play. Booking<br />
essential. 10am-12pm.<br />
T: 01577 862355 www.rspb.org.uk<br />
2 Dec<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Planetarium Show<br />
Mills Observatory DD2 2UB<br />
Take a tour of the nigth sky and learn about<br />
constellations, asteroids and galaxies. Cost £1<br />
adults, 50p chidlren. Booking essential. Sesions at<br />
7, 7.45, 8.30 & 9.15pm.<br />
T: 01382 435967 www.dundeecity.gov.uk<br />
3 Dec<br />
Junior Rangers<br />
Forfar Loch DD8 1BT<br />
Environmental Volunteer Group for 5-14 year olds<br />
to learn about the natural environment whilst<br />
experiencing the role of Countryside Ranger.<br />
10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01307 461118 www.visitangus.com<br />
Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
When the snowman brings the snow you can build<br />
a snowman from<br />
cardboard boxes. Please<br />
bring your own cardboard<br />
boxes. 10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01241 860360 www.visitangus.com<br />
Santa Run<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
A run around the outside of the park.<br />
T: 01382 370202 www.visitangus.com<br />
St Andrews Family Ceilidh<br />
Forfar West End Social Club DD8 1BT<br />
Family Ceilidh complete with stovies and plenty of<br />
dancing with music from Reel of Fortune Ceilidh<br />
band.<br />
www.forfarmusical.co.uk<br />
Messy Church Fun<br />
Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church DD5 2DS<br />
An action packed afternoon session of messy<br />
crafts, gooey games, mini movie, super songs<br />
and a delicious snack time for families to enjoy<br />
together. 2pm.<br />
T: 07948 530 854<br />
www.broughtyferrypresbyterianchurch.org<br />
y Saturday Studio<br />
McManus Art Gallery and Museum DD1 1DA<br />
Drop in to the learning studio for a Christmas Craft<br />
afternoon and make lots of lovely decorations ot<br />
hang up during the festive season. Free event. 1pm.<br />
T: 01382 307200<br />
www.mcmanus.co.uk<br />
y Christmas Crafts for Kids<br />
Methil Heritage Centre KY8 3EQ<br />
Get ahead with your Christmas decorations,<br />
inspired by Christmases past, and with a little bling<br />
thrown in for good measure! Free, drop in session.<br />
2-4pm.<br />
T: 01334 659339<br />
www.onfife.com<br />
Saturday Fun Club<br />
Kennoway Primary School KY8 5LW<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
1 <strong>Winter</strong> Festival<br />
The Black Watch Castle & Museum PH1 5HR<br />
Get in the festive spirit with a fun filled afternoon<br />
of Christmas activity. Cost £5 per child, adults free.<br />
1-4pm.<br />
T: 01738 638152<br />
www.theblackwatch.co.uk<br />
1 Christmas Lights Switch On<br />
Blair Atholl PH18 5SP<br />
Join in the festive fun at the Blair Atholl switching<br />
on of the Christmas lights.<br />
T: 01796 474 130<br />
www.blairatholl.org.uk<br />
1 Christmas Lantern Parade and<br />
Nativity Scene<br />
Perth PH1 5SZ<br />
Early evening lantern parade involving local<br />
schools, churches and community groups. Day<br />
time workshops facilitate the making of lanterns<br />
before participation in a short parade through<br />
the city centre. Parade commences at 5pm from<br />
Thimblerow Car Park to outside St Johns Kirk. The<br />
celebration of Christmas continues with Carol<br />
Singing, Bell Ringing and unveiling of the Perth<br />
Christmas Nativity Scene.<br />
www.pkc.gov.uk<br />
Chatterbooks<br />
Bo’ness Library EH51 0AH<br />
Free book club for ages 7-12 years. Come along<br />
and talk about the books and characters you love<br />
and hate, and make, draw, create and play games.<br />
10.30-11am.<br />
T: 01506 778520<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
Rebel Legion Star Wars<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Appearances throughout the day by Star Wars<br />
Characters.<br />
T: 01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
1 3 – 4 Dec<br />
Festive Fun Weekend<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
Christmas trail, decoration workshops, giant Santa<br />
heads and much more. 10am-4pm.<br />
T: 01382 370202 www.visitangus.com<br />
4 Dec<br />
The Santa Clause<br />
Forfar Loch DD8 1BT<br />
Drop into the Ranger Centre and build a nest box<br />
for the birds at Forfar Loch. 2-3.30pm.<br />
T: 01307 461118 www.visitangus.com<br />
Model Float Plane Display<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
Wing your way along to the Model Float Plane<br />
display by the Monikie Ducks. 10.30am-3.30pm.<br />
T: 01382 370202<br />
www.visitangus.com<br />
y Victorian Christmas Fair<br />
Alloa Tower FK10 1PP<br />
Browse the stalls for some inspiring gift ideas and<br />
see the tower decorated for Christmas. There’ll<br />
be face painting and Christmas card making for<br />
children. A fun and festive family day out! 12-4pm.<br />
T: 01259 211701 www.nts.org.uk<br />
continued on page 6<br />
4<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 5
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
WOW!<br />
What’s on where...<br />
y Wild Monster Mask Making<br />
Birnam Arts and Conference Centre PH8 0DS<br />
Join the glittering Birnam Arts team to create a<br />
unique Christmas decorations, using gold and<br />
silvers and glorious, sumptuous glitters. 2-4pm.<br />
Cost £5 per child. Suitable for ages 7+.<br />
T: 01350 727 674<br />
www.birnamarts.com<br />
y Making Merry at Stirling Castle<br />
Stirling Castle FK8 1EJ<br />
Join our crafty elves this festive season and have<br />
a go at creating everything from decorations to<br />
cards, crackers and baubles. Enjoy some fabulous<br />
festive entertainment with the Swinging Santas.<br />
12.30-3.30pm.<br />
T: 01786 450 000<br />
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk<br />
y Elves in the Woods<br />
Gartmorn Dam FK10 3NZ<br />
Come and join Santa’s elves in the woods for an<br />
afternoon of Christmas crafts and tasty treats.<br />
1-3pm. T: 01259 450000 www.clacksweb.org.uk<br />
y Lantern Making Workshops<br />
Stirling Old Town Jail FK8 1EA<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
5 Dec<br />
Decorate the Christmas Tree<br />
Bo’ness Library EH51 0AH<br />
It’s time to pull on your Santa hat and deck the<br />
halls. Come along and help the library staff<br />
decorate their Christmas tree. Suitable for ages<br />
5-11 years. 5pm.<br />
T: 01506 778520<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
1 5 – 18 Dec<br />
Christmas Craft & Gift Fair<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Craft fair hosted by Daft for Crafts.<br />
T: 01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
6 Dec<br />
Soft Play<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Soft play equipment for the little ones in the<br />
upper area.<br />
T: 01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
1 9 – 11 Dec<br />
Glamis Castle Christmas Market<br />
Glamis Castle DD8 1RJ<br />
Crafters and delicatessen shall fill the courtyard<br />
at the back of the castle and shall provide lots of<br />
festive goodies for all your Christmas shopping<br />
needs. 10.30am-5pm.<br />
T: 01307 840393 www.glamis-castle.co.uk<br />
1 10 Dec<br />
Christmas Fayre<br />
HM Frigate Unicorn DD1 3JA<br />
Enjoy a Christmas themed day on the Unicorn.<br />
11am-4pm.<br />
T: 01382 200900 www.frigateunicorn.org<br />
Saturday Fun Club<br />
Kennoway Primary School KY8 5LW<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
y Christmas Crafts<br />
The Black Watch Castle & Museum PH1 5HR<br />
Make a gift tin and Christmas card for your loved<br />
ones. 1-3.30pm. Suggested donation £2.<br />
T: 01738 638152 www.theblackwatch.co.uk<br />
Santa Run<br />
Perth PH1<br />
Come along and join in the fun as part of the Perth<br />
Santa Run - a 5km fun run taking runners through<br />
the streets of Perth City Centre, crossing the River<br />
Tay and finishing on the North Inch. 12-4pm.<br />
www.pkc.gov.uk<br />
y Twinning Traditions<br />
Perth Museum and Art Gallery PH1 5LB<br />
Discover Perth’s twinning countries’ Christmas<br />
traditions. Decorate Polish gingerbread biscuits<br />
and take them home as beautiful Christmas<br />
decoration. Enjoy music from SSE choir from<br />
1-1.45pm.<br />
T: 01738 632488<br />
www.pkc.gov.uk<br />
Chatterbooks<br />
Grangemouth Library FK3 8AG<br />
Free book club for ages 7-12 years. Come along<br />
and talk about the books and characters you love<br />
and hate, and make, draw, create and play games.<br />
10.30-11am.<br />
T: 01324 504690<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
y Christmas Crafts<br />
Muiravonside Country Park EH49 6LW<br />
Join the Countryside Ranger to make a decoration<br />
from natural materials to take home ready for<br />
Christmas. 1-3pm. Cost £2. Booking essential.<br />
T: 01324 590900<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
y Lanterns and Christmas Crafts<br />
Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre FK3 8LH<br />
Drop in to Jupiter anytime between 11 am and 3pm<br />
and try your hand at lantern making and Christmas<br />
crafts. Join the lantern parade at 4pm. Suggested<br />
donation £2 per person.<br />
T: 01324 486475<br />
www.scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk<br />
1 Christmas Fayre<br />
HMS Frigate Unicorn DD1 3JA<br />
Enjoy a Christmas themed day on the Unicorn.<br />
11am-4pm.<br />
T: 01382 200900<br />
www.frigateunicorn.org<br />
1 Aberdour’s Christmas<br />
Aberdour KY3<br />
A fun festive day bringing together community<br />
and business for shopping, entertainment and<br />
local fun. There will be children’s activities,<br />
refreshments and carols around the Christmas Tree.<br />
www.facebook.com/<br />
AberdourChristmasEvent<br />
y Lantern Making Workshops<br />
Stirling Old Town Jail FK8 1EA<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
1 Christmas Carols<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Carols performed by Dunfermline Town Band.<br />
T: 01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
1 10 – 11 Dec<br />
Festive Fun Weekend<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
See event details 3-4 Dec.<br />
continued on page 8<br />
ENJOY CHRISTMAS<br />
SHOPPING WITH US<br />
Come and visit Santa and his<br />
elves in their magical grotto!<br />
We’re so excited to have Santa visiting us<br />
every weekend in the run up to Christmas!<br />
Grotto Bookings<br />
Launch Day Saturday<br />
19 November 12pm – 6pm<br />
Saturdays 11am – 5pm<br />
Sundays 12pm – 4pm<br />
Christmas Eve 12pm – 4pm<br />
Santa’s online booking system helps you<br />
to beat the queues each weekend.<br />
Visit www.stjshopping.co.uk<br />
to book your appointment<br />
We're here when you<br />
need us, this Christmas<br />
Need a little Christmas Inspiration? Is Uncle John<br />
always a nightmare to buy for? Do you have a picky<br />
little sister who only wants the latest and the<br />
greatest? Make Christmas shopping stress-free, and<br />
take advantage of our Late Night Shopping when<br />
you can take time to make the perfect purchase.<br />
We'll be open til 7pm from Monday 19th December<br />
to Friday 23rd December<br />
Grotto Prices<br />
Visit and Gift £4.00 Joint Visit, Photo £11.50<br />
Visit and Photo £4.50<br />
and 2 Gifts<br />
Each Additional Child £3.50<br />
Visit, Photo and Gift £8.00 Each Additional Photo £4.00<br />
King Edward Street | Perth | PH1 5UB | 01738 629380 | www.stjshopping.co.uk<br />
6<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
Make Christmas Marvellous this festive season...<br />
..and join Dundee Rep for a taste of George’s Marvellous Medicine by<br />
Roald Dahl.<br />
George will both delight and disgust with his mission to make<br />
grumpy, mean old grandma a better person by concocting a<br />
medicine so potent it makes her body stretch higher than the house.<br />
He then decides to try it on the chickens to hilarious effect!<br />
Show starts 24 November to Hogmanay. To book contact: www.<br />
dundeerep.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01382 223530.<br />
Also coming up this festive Season at the Rep are The Shape of<br />
Things by Starcatchers & Branar téatar do pháistí . Designed for<br />
children aged six months – two years and their adults. (Monday 12<br />
December - Fri 23 December.) All tickets £5.<br />
And from the makers of Too Many Penguins comes Robin a new<br />
show for everyone aged three to six and their grown-ups. (Friday 16<br />
December to Friday 24 December.) All Tickets £7.<br />
PREPARING FOR THE WORLD STAGE<br />
Acting on stage can be fun and exhilarating – the noise, the excitement,<br />
the applause!<br />
But MUCH more fun is your child’s appearance on the world’s stage –<br />
being ready to present themselves, face people, speak clearly and with<br />
confidence, knowing what to say and when to say it – moving well,<br />
tackling problems, coping with dilemmas, successes, disappointments<br />
and surprises – all these can be as challenging as being on stage, and<br />
drama classes can give your child practise in how to deal with them.<br />
We teach your child skills and confidence<br />
that will help them throughout their lives, and<br />
will help them to triumph on the stage of<br />
Life!<br />
For more information contact Barbara on<br />
01382 330052 or at<br />
www.helenogradyeastcentralscotland.co.uk<br />
YOUTH THEATRE<br />
Come and Join the Fun at Fife College<br />
Youth Theatre<br />
Fife College’s Youth Theatre is an exciting and fun theatre group designed to help<br />
build confidence and life skills.<br />
Whether you’re an outgoing person looking to let your imagination run wild or less<br />
outgoing and looking to build confidence and meet new friends, our Youth Theatre<br />
may be exactly what you're looking for.<br />
Evening and weekend classes are available throughout Fife for young people from<br />
ages 3 - 18 years old with NO competitive audition.<br />
Free taster sessions are available at our Thursday and Friday night classes.<br />
For more information, contact the Youth Theatre team at<br />
Fife College: melbradley@fife.ac.uk or call 0344 248 0126.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 7
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
WOW!<br />
What’s on where...<br />
y Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
Make Christmas Decorations From Natural<br />
Materials. New members welcome. 10.30am-<br />
12.30pm.<br />
T: 01241 860360<br />
www.visitangus.com<br />
y Elf School<br />
Muiravonside Country Park EH49 6LW<br />
There is so much work to be done before Christmas<br />
and Santa needs some new recruits. This workshop<br />
will take you on a magical journey filled with glitter<br />
and Christmas cheer. Head out on a scavenger<br />
hunt, make Christmas crafts to take home and earn<br />
your Elf School Certificate. 1.30-3pm. Cost £10.<br />
Booking essential.<br />
T: 01324 590900<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
y 11 Dec<br />
Christmas at the Basin<br />
Montrose Basin Visitor Centre DD10 9TJ<br />
Join staff and volunteers at the visitor centre for<br />
some festive cheer enjoying a seasonal hot drink<br />
and mince pie whilst viewing the wildlife on the<br />
reserve. Children will be entertained with a range<br />
of Christmas themed craft activities. 3-5pm.<br />
T: 01674 676336 www.visitangus.com<br />
y Christmas Fairy Garden<br />
Glendoick Garden Centre PH2 7NS<br />
Plan and design a Christmas mini garden, creating<br />
it from scratch with drainage, compost, plants and<br />
decorative materials such as stones or slate and<br />
finally, a fairy figure. Suitable for ages 4-10 years.<br />
Cost £12 per child. Children must be accompanied.<br />
T: 01738 860260<br />
www.glendoick.com<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Owls<br />
Kinsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Come along and meet some feathered friends with<br />
Owl Magic.<br />
T: 01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
y Doodle & Splat Christmas Kids<br />
Crafts<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Plenty of festive arts and crafts to keep the kids<br />
entertained.<br />
T: 01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
15 Dec<br />
Chatterbooks<br />
Larbert Library FK5 3JX<br />
Free book club for ages 7-12 years. Come along and<br />
talk about the books and characters you love and<br />
hate, and make, draw, create and play games. 4pm.<br />
T: 01324 503590<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
1 15 – 16 Dec<br />
Christmas Carols<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Festive music performed by local schoolchildren.<br />
T: 01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
16 Dec<br />
A <strong>Winter</strong>’s Tale - Sylvia Troon<br />
Roseangle Gallery DD1 4LP<br />
Sylvia will entertain with muystical and amazing<br />
tales of winter and all its legends using puppet<br />
characters full of mischief and wonder. Free to<br />
memebers, non-members £2. 7.30pm.<br />
www.dundeeartsociety.co.uk<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Planetarium Show<br />
Mills Observatory DD2 2UB<br />
See event details 2 Dec.<br />
17 Dec<br />
Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
See event details 10-11 Dec.<br />
y Christmas Craft Session<br />
Bo’ness Library EH51 0AH<br />
Pull on your Santa hat and get ready to create some<br />
cracking Christmas crafts that you can take home<br />
to make your house sparkle! 11am.<br />
T: 01506 778520<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
y Lantern Making Workshops<br />
Stirling Old Town Jail FK8 1EA<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
y Doodle & Splat Christmas Kids<br />
Crafts<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Plenty of festive arts and crafts to keep the kids<br />
entertained.<br />
T: 01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
1 17 – 18 Dec<br />
Festive Fun Weekend<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
See event details 3-4 Dec.<br />
1 Midwinter Lights<br />
& Festive Market<br />
Falkland Palace KY15 7DA<br />
Brighten up the dark winter nights with a stroll<br />
around the formal gardens at Falkland Palace.<br />
The gorgeous lighting display illuminates as the<br />
evenings draw in. Stockings can be filled with<br />
artisan gifts and nibbles at the Festive Market.<br />
Booking essential. Tickets £8.50 adults, £5.50<br />
children. 4-8.30pm.<br />
T: 01337 857397 www.nts.org.uk<br />
1 Elf School<br />
Muiravonside Country Park EH49 6LW<br />
See event details 10-11 Dec.<br />
1 18 Dec<br />
Christmas Carols<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Carols performed by Dunfermline Town Band.<br />
T: 01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
1 23 – 24 Dec<br />
Festive Face Painters<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre KY12 7QU<br />
Face painters will be on site with plenty of festive<br />
designs.<br />
T: 01383 735254 www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
27 Dec – 3 Jan<br />
Scotland’s National Hero<br />
National Wallace Monument FK9 5LF<br />
Who was William Wallace? Listen as a costumed<br />
actor gives you an insight into the life of Scotland’s<br />
National Hero – who he was, where he came from,<br />
and how he fought to free the people of Scotland<br />
from oppression. Presentations at 11.15am, 12,<br />
12.45, 1.30, 2.30 & 3.15pm.<br />
T: 01786 472140<br />
www.nationalwallacemonument.com<br />
continued on page 12<br />
Find out what our<br />
Express network<br />
has to offer this<br />
festive period...<br />
8<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
Give the gift of learning!<br />
Raviv Scotland can help all ages from 5 years to<br />
adult overcome specific learning difficulties.<br />
Raviv can help with reading, handwriting,<br />
numeracy, short-term memory, fine and gross<br />
motor skills, auditory processing, Asperger’s<br />
Syndrome, Autistic Spectrum and ADHD/ADD.<br />
Raviv specialises in preparing unique programmes,<br />
particularly when more that one difficulty is<br />
present.<br />
We will work together to help overcome these<br />
co-existing challenges.<br />
Fast ForWord, a daily online programme can help<br />
build language and cognitive skills for effective<br />
learning.<br />
Programmes take about 6 months to complete,<br />
depending on the needs of the individual.<br />
For further details please contact Karen on:<br />
07711 623 605<br />
k.wexelstein@btinternet.com<br />
learningdifficulties-raviv.co.uk<br />
EDUCATION & TUITION<br />
At Dundee and Angus College our experienced tutors<br />
are dedicated to delivering dance and drama classes to<br />
young people encouraging them to have fun and reach<br />
their full creative potential.<br />
We run a dynamic programme during term time and<br />
our Children’s University programme promotes creative<br />
activities outwith school hours. Classes are open to boys and girls at our campus<br />
in Dundee which features The Space, a custom-built dance and theatre complex.<br />
Our youth dance classes cover a diverse range of styles including ballet,<br />
contemporary and hip hop. Parents can get involved with their pre-school<br />
children in our Parent and Child Movement classes.<br />
Our drama programme assists young people to develop their self-confidence and<br />
self-expression through a range of interactive drama games and exercises. stirling@kip-mcgrath.com f<br />
FESTIVE FUN WITH<br />
CULTURE PERTH AND KINROSS<br />
Enjoy some festive fun or purchase a unique Christmas gift<br />
at our venues this winter season.<br />
f Book Week Scotland<br />
The 12 Days of Christmas<br />
Monday 21 - Sunday 27 November <strong>2016</strong> | Free Family Morning T<br />
f<br />
This annual celebration of books and reading will be showcasing<br />
AK Bell Library<br />
a theme of discovery, this week long programme of events is<br />
Enjoy festive storytelling, crafts and face painting to get you in<br />
bursting with fantastic opportunities. Discover your reading<br />
the mood for this festive season.<br />
Christmas Twinning Traditions T f<br />
journey at your local library!<br />
f<br />
f<br />
It’s a Wrap!<br />
Across all libraries<br />
Saturday 17 December <strong>2016</strong>, 10am-1pm | Free<br />
Saturday 10 December <strong>2016</strong>, 1pm-4pm | Free Thursday 29 December, 1.30pm-3.30pm | Free<br />
Perth Museum and Art Gallery<br />
Perth Museum and Art Gallery<br />
Discover how Perth’s six twinning countries celebrate Christmas Wrap up the Christmas celebrations and start planning for the<br />
f<br />
V<br />
V<br />
T<br />
T<br />
and learn all about their different traditions. Decorate Polish<br />
gingerbread biscuits for your tree to take home, and relax and<br />
enjoy music from the SSE choir 1pm-1.45pm.<br />
T<br />
f<br />
T<br />
T<br />
New Year by creating thank you cards and calendars for 2017.<br />
Bring along your used wrapping paper and we’ll put it to good use<br />
in creating unique thank you cards for your friends and family.<br />
T<br />
V<br />
V<br />
T<br />
For further information on all our events, exhibitions and venue opening<br />
hours over the festive period, check our website www.culturepk.org.uk<br />
T<br />
f<br />
V<br />
T<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 9<br />
f<br />
f
santa’s<br />
Pinboard<br />
St John’s Shopping Centre is situated<br />
right at the heart of Perth’s friendly<br />
and welcoming shopping area. A must<br />
for any visitor to Perth, the shopping<br />
centre is packed with over 30 retailers,<br />
providing a relaxed and quality<br />
shopping experience for everyone.<br />
Whether it’s fashion or fragrance,<br />
diamonds or DVDs, books or bags –<br />
you’ll be certain to find it in Perth.<br />
From baubles & bangles to coats & coffee to treats & toys, Christmas at Kingsgate<br />
Shopping Centre has everything you need within easy reach.<br />
Kingsgate has a wonderful mix of fashion for every age, food for every occasion<br />
and toys from every child’s wish list!<br />
They also have Christmas food and craft markets so you can shop for that unique<br />
gift. There is entertainment for all the family through the festive season, and a<br />
competition to win a toy bundle from The Entertainer just in time for Christmas<br />
Day!<br />
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, and Kingsgate Shopping Centre has<br />
everything you need to make the festive season sparkle.<br />
For details of events and offers at Kingsgate Shopping Centre visit the website<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk or find us on Facebook and Twitter @KingsgateCentre<br />
St John’s Shopping Centre is situated right at the heart of Perth’s friendly and welcoming<br />
shopping area. A must for any visitor to Perth, the shopping centre is packed with over 30<br />
retailers, providing a relaxed and quality shopping experience for everyone.<br />
Camperdown Wildlife Centre is enjoyed<br />
by visitors of all ages and is home to over<br />
Whether it’s fashion 50 species or fragrance, of animals, diamonds birds or and DVDs, reptiles,<br />
books or bags – you’ll be certain to<br />
find it in Perth. many of which are threatened or endangered in the wild. Highlights<br />
include Wolves, Snowy Owls, Ring-tailed Lemurs, Hyacinth Macaws<br />
and Meerkats.<br />
Camperdown Wildlife Centre hosts a variety of educational and fun<br />
events throughout the year, and this winter is no exception! Don’t<br />
miss our special festive event for 2017 - ‘Santa’s <strong>Winter</strong> Nights’ - a<br />
night-time adventure with magical lighting where you can see our<br />
animals like never before and even meet Santa Claus himself! Plus<br />
there’s face painting, crafts, street performers and our ‘elfie zone’ to<br />
keep you entertained throughout your visit.<br />
Visit www.camperdownwildlifecentre.com and follow us on<br />
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!<br />
Whether it’s for that special Christmas shopping trip, a festive day out with a difference<br />
or even a trip to see Santa, relax with affordable luxury travel to destinations across East<br />
Scotland with the award winning Express City Connect network.<br />
Catch frequent direct coach services from towns and cities all over Fife to popular<br />
destinations such as Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth, Edinburgh, Livingston or Glasgow on<br />
board luxury coaches with free wi-fi, leather seats and a whole lot more, so leave the car<br />
at home and travel in style with Stagecoach Express City Connect!<br />
Whatever your reason for travel this Christmas, we offer a great range of money saving<br />
tickets for travel on our network. You can buy single, return, daily and weekly tickets on<br />
board from the driver as well as child and group tickets. You don’t need the exact fare, we<br />
give change! You can also buy longer term tickets in advance either online or from our<br />
travel shops.<br />
To find out more and to plan your journey, download the new Stagecoach Bus app or visit<br />
stagecoachbus.com.<br />
From Saturday 19th November, the magical world of Lapland will<br />
descend onto Falkirk town centre when Santa arrives in The Howgate<br />
Shopping Centre. He will open his spectacular new Grotto and children<br />
will enjoy the centre’s new decorations with additional late night<br />
opening for busy shoppers on Thursdays in December.<br />
We also offer Sensory Shopping every Sunday until Christmas where<br />
centre music and tannoys are turned off and assistance is available for<br />
customers with special needs.<br />
Our final Kids Club of the year will take place on Saturday 3rd December<br />
with our free Elf School in the Community Hub. A number of singers<br />
will help entertain shoppers with Christmas Carols including Caitlyn<br />
Vanbeck from Edinburgh who made it through to judges’ houses on<br />
this year’s X Factor and is set to be one to watch in 2017.<br />
For a full list of opening times including information on all our festive<br />
events, visit www.howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk.<br />
10<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
It’s the most woolly-ful time of the year<br />
On friday 16th december, <strong>2016</strong> we will be taking silliness very<br />
seriously as Save the Children’s christmas jumper day is back.<br />
Whether it’s at school, nursery or a youth group, we’re calling on<br />
children to ditch their school jumper for their favourite festive knit!<br />
Anything goes this christmas jumper day – the dafter the better!<br />
The wacky woolly wearers donate £1 to Save the Children to help<br />
the world’s forgotten children have a brighter future.<br />
Go to christmasjumperday.org for your free fundraising pack, full<br />
of handy tips for a wonderful day.<br />
The more money raised, the more children Save the Children can<br />
help.<br />
Also you could organise christmas crafty competitions or sell<br />
jumper themed cupcakes.<br />
Your fun will help bring essentials like healthcare, education and<br />
food to millions of children. All this just by wearing a daft jumper<br />
can help solve very serious problems.<br />
Facebook.com/christmasjumperday<br />
@Savechildrenuk#christmasjumperday<br />
Christmas Card Competition<br />
V WINNERS V<br />
May Fletcher (6) and Sam Fletcher (7)<br />
of Hawthorne Primary School in Nottinghamshire<br />
were chosen as the winners of the Primary Times Head<br />
Office <strong>2016</strong> Christmas Card Competition.<br />
We received hundreds of entries and every single one<br />
was absolutely brilliant – we clearly have a nation of<br />
very talented children!<br />
Well done to everyone that took part.<br />
PINBOARD<br />
CHRISTMAS MAGIC ARRIVES AT THE THISTLES IN STIRLING<br />
WITH THE LAUNCH OF CHRISTMAS CASTLE<br />
VISIT FATHER<br />
CHRISTMAS AND HIS<br />
ENCHANTED ELVES<br />
IN THE CHRISTMAS<br />
CASTLE FROM 20TH<br />
NOVEMBER, PLUS<br />
ENJOY LATE NIGHT<br />
SHOPPING ACROSS 80<br />
STORES AND BIG NAME<br />
BRANDS<br />
It’s the most magical time of the year and The Thistles in Stirling<br />
is guaranteeing an extra special Christmas with its unmissable<br />
in-centre activity.<br />
This year’s entertainment, CHRISTMAS CASTLE, launches on Sunday 20th<br />
November at 12pm.<br />
CHRISTMAS CASTLE at The Thistles will transport children into an<br />
enchanted woodland fantasy where they will meet Father Christmas.<br />
Upon approaching the CHRISTMAS CASTLE excited children will cross the<br />
drawbridge to enter the castle which sits atop a snowy mound. Once<br />
inside, each child and their family will be met by The Enchantment Elves<br />
who will escort them through the ‘Wishmas’ craft area. The Elves will guide<br />
the children to write, draw, stamp and sparkle their craft message which<br />
Father Christmas will send to the North Pole.<br />
The Enchantment Elves will explain that the CHRISTMAS CASTLE is full of<br />
children’s wonderful wishes, and each child will be encouraged to whisper<br />
their own wish into the magical Wishing Wall. Families will then continue<br />
walking through the castle against a backdrop of sparkling lights and<br />
magical festive music.<br />
The CHRISTMAS CASTLE experience culminates in meeting Father<br />
Christmas who will be seated on a rustic, decorated throne. Father<br />
Christmas will give each child a Christmas Ribbon to hang their Christmas<br />
Wish on their tree at home. Doing this will ensure wishes are released at<br />
Christmas.<br />
The Thistles CHRISTMAS CASTLE offers a FREE experience for children 12pm<br />
– 5pm on Sunday 20th and Sunday 27th November then daily 11pm –<br />
5pm for the entirety of December until Christmas Eve.<br />
On Sunday 20th November, as well as launching CHRISTMAS CASTLE,<br />
The Thistles will host Santa’s Reindeer Parade. The day culminates in the<br />
Stirling Christmas Lights Switch On. This will take place at 5pm at the<br />
bottom of King Street.<br />
Central FM will also host a stage there with guests The Voice winner Stevie<br />
McCrorie, Falkirk singer Dionne Hickey and Caitlyn Vanbeck who appeared<br />
on X Factor <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
With late night opening hours launching on 12th December; over 80 stores<br />
offering big name brands will be open daily until 7pm (8pm on Thursdays)<br />
with Sundays open until 6pm, be gift inspired this season at The Thistles<br />
and guarantee smiles on Christmas Day.<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 11
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
DUNFERMLINE<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
AT KINGSGATE<br />
SHOP • EVENTS • LOCAL<br />
TOYS, FOOD, FASHION<br />
CHRISTMAS MARKETS<br />
LATE NIGHT SHOPPING<br />
KIDS CRAFT & EVENTS<br />
*Visit Kingsgate Shopping Centre to enter. T&C's apply.<br />
Win a<br />
Toy Bundle*<br />
@KingsgateCentre<br />
/KingsgateShoppingCentre<br />
freeWiFi<br />
01383 735254<br />
www.shopkingsgate.co.uk<br />
Kingsgate Shopping Centre, Dunfermline, Fife, KY12 7QU<br />
WOW!<br />
What’s on where...<br />
y 29 – 30 Dec<br />
Lantern Making Workshops<br />
Stirling Old Town Jail FK8 1EA<br />
See event details 26 Nov.<br />
31 Dec<br />
Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
Looking after our winter birdlife. New members<br />
welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01241 860360<br />
www.visitangus.com<br />
Hogmany Black Bun Special<br />
Bo’ness & Kinneil Railway EH51 9AQ<br />
Complimentary traditional Scottish Hogmanay<br />
Black Bun and a hot drink whilst travelling aboard<br />
the nostalgic steam railway. Juice and shortbread<br />
for the children. Booking essential.<br />
T: 01506 822298<br />
www.srps.org.uk<br />
Stirling’s Hogmanay<br />
Kings Park FK8 2JR<br />
A Carnival of Light and Sound will parade through<br />
the city centre followed by entertainment at<br />
Port Street. From 7pm Kings Park will provide<br />
entertainment for all ages culminating in a<br />
Midnight Moment of Fireworks across the city<br />
skyline.<br />
www.stirlingwinterfestival.com<br />
1 Jan<br />
Fire and Light<br />
The Helix FK2 9EE<br />
A New Year’s 4k walk around the Helix Park.<br />
The park will be illuminated, animated and<br />
transformed. 5-9pm. Cost £3.50 adults, £2.50<br />
children. Booking essential.<br />
T: 01324 506850<br />
www.thehelix.co.uk<br />
6 Jan<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Planetarium Show<br />
Mills Observatory DD2 2UB<br />
See event details 2 Dec.<br />
7 Jan<br />
Family Talk: My Son Tom<br />
The Black Watch Castle & Museum PH1 5HR<br />
An interactive talk for the whole family to learn<br />
more about Scottish families during the First World<br />
War. 1-2pm. Suggested donation £3. Booking<br />
recommended.<br />
T: 01738 638152<br />
www.theblackwatch.co.uk<br />
Junior Rangers<br />
Forfar Loch DD8 1BT<br />
Environmental Volunteer Group for 5-14 year olds<br />
to learn about the natural environment whilst<br />
experiencing the role of Countryside Ranger.<br />
10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01307 461118<br />
www.visitangus.com<br />
14 Jan<br />
Messy Church Fun<br />
Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church DD5 2DS<br />
See event details 3 Dec.<br />
Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
Practice your bird ID skills at Crombie Country Park.<br />
New members welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01241 860360 www.visitangus.com<br />
15 Jan<br />
Model Float Plane Display<br />
Monikie Country Park DD5 3QN<br />
Wing your way along to the Model Float Plane<br />
display by the Monikie Ducks. 10.30am-3.30pm.<br />
T: 01382 370202 www.visitangus.com<br />
New Year Family Ramble<br />
Glen Doll Ranger Base DD8 4RD<br />
Shake off the excesses of Christmas on a brisk walk<br />
in superb mountain scenery from the Glen Doll car<br />
park to Bachnagairn in upper Glen Clova. There is<br />
a chance of seeing Golden Eagles above the glen<br />
as they return to set up their breeding territory.<br />
11am-2pm.<br />
T: 01575 550233 www.visitangus.com<br />
20 Jan<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Planetarium Show<br />
Mills Observatory DD2 2UB<br />
See event details 2 Dec.<br />
28 Jan<br />
Young Naturalists’ Club<br />
Crombie Country Park DD5 3QL<br />
Learn how to make wildlife crafts at Crombie Park.<br />
New members welcome. 10.30am-12.30pm.<br />
T: 01241 860360 www.visitangus.com<br />
3 Feb<br />
<strong>Winter</strong> Planetarium Show<br />
Mills Observatory DD2 2UB<br />
See event details 2 Dec.<br />
4 Feb<br />
Messy Church Fun<br />
Broughty Ferry Presbyterian Church DD5 2DS<br />
See event details 3 Dec.<br />
Information Morning<br />
Merchiston Castle School EH13 0PU<br />
Independent school for boys information morning.<br />
Visitors will be welcomed in the Memorial Hall<br />
from 9.45am and the presentations will begin at<br />
10.15am. Booking essential.<br />
T: 0131 312 2201 www.merchiston.co.uk<br />
5 Feb<br />
Have a Go at Nest Making<br />
The Ecology Centre KY3 9YG<br />
Are you as crafty as a crow or as brilliant as a<br />
blackbird? Come along to The Ecology Centre and<br />
have a go at weaving your own nest. This is a free<br />
event for families however donations would be<br />
appreciated to help cover the cost of materials.<br />
2-4pm. Booking essential.<br />
T: 01592 891567 www.theecologycentre.org<br />
16 – 17 Feb<br />
Eco Adventures Club<br />
The Ecology Centre KY3 9YG<br />
Fun creative eco<br />
adventures for the<br />
February holidays.<br />
Suitable for ages 5-9<br />
years. 9am-3pm.<br />
Booking essential.<br />
Cost £18 per day,<br />
discount for<br />
both days and<br />
siblings.<br />
T: 01592<br />
891567<br />
www.<br />
theecology<br />
centre.org<br />
12<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
DIVE WITH SHARKS AT<br />
DEEP SEA WORLD<br />
BOOK ONLINE<br />
& SAVE UP TO<br />
40<br />
%<br />
OFF!<br />
TICKETS<br />
*LIMITED TIME ONLY<br />
1 FREE CHILD<br />
Looking for the perfect Christmas gift for the adventure<br />
seeker in your life? Why not give them the unforgettable experience of diving with threemetre-long<br />
sharks at Deep Sea World, Scotland’s national aquarium.<br />
Close encounters with sharks, rays and host of amazing 1 Free child marine when accompanied creatures by 1 full are paying guaranteed<br />
adult.<br />
Voucher not valid with family/e-tickets or any other promotion.<br />
and there’s also free entry included for two guests. Terms and conditions apply. Photocopies will not be accepted.<br />
What makes their Shark Encounter experiences extra special is you don’t need to have<br />
dived before to take part.<br />
Their team of highly-experienced divers provide full tuition before you enter the water<br />
and you’ll be accompanied at all times by a fully qualified diver.<br />
There are also Bubblemaker dives for children (8-15 years) which allow youngstesr to dive<br />
with the sharks but separated by secure metal gates.<br />
WITH THIS VOUCHER<br />
Offer valid until 28/02/2017. Not valid on Bank Holidays. CODE PTIMES<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
DIVE<br />
VOUCHERS<br />
ON SALE NOW!<br />
CORAL<br />
REEF<br />
www.deepseaworld.com<br />
t. 01383 411880<br />
North Queensferry, Fife KY11 1JR<br />
HARBOUR<br />
1 FREE CHILD<br />
WITH THIS VOUCHER<br />
1 Free child when accompanied by 1 full paying adult.<br />
Voucher not valid with family/e-tickets or any other promotion.<br />
Terms and conditions apply. Photocopies will not be accepted.<br />
Offer valid until 28/02/2017. Not valid on Bank Holidays. CODE PTIMES<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 13
WHAT’S ON WHERE<br />
Kids’ Book<br />
Reviews<br />
Get your nose stuck in a book...<br />
Our Kids Book Review Panel is a group<br />
of children from across the UK who have<br />
an avid interest in reading. They receive books<br />
from us on a regular basis and post their reviews online.<br />
To see reviews for other titles visit www.primarytimes.net/reviews/<br />
Untitled-1 1 11/01/<strong>2016</strong> 14:13<br />
For Art<br />
Sake<br />
[x<br />
10 Angus Road, Scone,<br />
Perth PH2 6QU<br />
Tel: 01738 552187<br />
www.forartsake.info<br />
[x<br />
Paint Your Own Pottery &<br />
Keepsake Silver Jewellery<br />
x Perfect for a unique Christmas present<br />
x Personalized gifts – handpainted by you!<br />
x Suitable for all ages & abilities<br />
x Vouchers available<br />
x Finished items for sale include ceramics and<br />
prints of original paintings by Po<br />
For Art Sake<br />
Our bright studio is the perfect place for painting unique Christmas presents,<br />
or giving the kids a treat.<br />
We pride ourselves in helping you to achieve the best results, will advise with<br />
colours etc and can do the finishing touches like writing.<br />
Many babies visit our shop for hand/ feet prints on ceramics, or on our<br />
beautiful silver jewellery. The jewellery is a non-messy, quick procedure and<br />
the results are amazing.<br />
Come along, you will find the time flies past, your kids with have great fun and<br />
you will too!<br />
Gift vouchers are available and make a different kind of Christmas Gift!!<br />
To feature in the<br />
Primary Times<br />
Fife, Tayside<br />
& Central Scotland<br />
Annual Party Guide<br />
in our February issue,<br />
contact Anne now on<br />
01355<br />
579399<br />
Santa Claude, by Alex T Smith<br />
Published by: Hodder Children’s Books.<br />
ISBN: 1444926497<br />
Reviewed by Ellen, aged 8 from North Yorkshire:<br />
One night Claude the dog’s owners go out and he<br />
thinks he hears a burglar. He ties the burglar up<br />
but then he discovers the burglar is actually Santa<br />
Claus! Claude has to deliver all the presents but can he<br />
get home before his owners come back home? I liked this book because<br />
it is a very funny story and the author has used a lot of imagination.<br />
Prince George and the Royal Potty, by Caryl Hart<br />
Published by: Orchard Books. ISBN: 1408339714<br />
Reviewed by Ethan, aged 4 from Cardiff: This book is about a little<br />
Prince who wants to do grown up things. George wants to be a knight but<br />
his armour won’t fit over his nappy! George wants<br />
to go marching but his nappy gets full of poop and<br />
he starts to smell really bad! So George has to potty<br />
train just like my brother Harrison is doing at the<br />
moment. It isn’t long before George can use the<br />
potty. When George has a wee on the potty he gets<br />
really really happy! I really liked this book, it is funny<br />
and my brother Harrison likes it too.<br />
Nixie: Wonky <strong>Winter</strong> Wonderland, by Cas Lester<br />
Published by: OUP Oxford. ISBN: 0192743236<br />
Reviewed by Willow, aged 7 from Cornwall:<br />
This book is about a girl called Nixie who is a fairy. It has<br />
lots of lovely pictures, which helped me to see what was<br />
happening. The chapters all have clocks on them, this<br />
helped me learn telling the time. The writing is nice, I<br />
liked all the different fonts. There is another book about<br />
Nixie that I hope to read too. I think my sister would like<br />
this book as well as children who love cheeky fairies.<br />
Animal Magic Board Book, by Phil Allcock<br />
Published by: Maverick Arts Publishing.<br />
ISBN: 1848862326<br />
Reviewed by mum of Aurora, aged 2 from<br />
Oxfordshire: This magical nonsense rhyme<br />
board book is absolutely brilliant. Aurora loves<br />
it! Is it a hedgehog, a toad or a worm? Highly<br />
recommended!<br />
The Awesome Body Book, by Adam Frost<br />
Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens. ISBN: 1408862352<br />
Reviewed by James, aged 8 from Cardiff: So... it went like this...<br />
our topic in school was ‘the body’ and then this book<br />
arrived so I took it into school thinking my teacher<br />
would be impressed with me. I based this theory on<br />
the title of it, rather than having read any of it. My<br />
teacher looked inside and shrieked with horror, as she<br />
had opened it on the ‘how to make a poo’ page!! Good<br />
information and fab pics about the body, but don’t give<br />
it to anybody over 40 to read as they are all a bit silly<br />
about poo/wee/bums, etc.<br />
14<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
Buy and give truly unique gifts<br />
for the animal lover in your life.<br />
edinburghzoo.org.uk/gifts<br />
Dundee Childcare.indd 1 13/01/2014 12:34<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 15
WHERE’S SANTA?<br />
W here to<br />
find Santa<br />
this Festive<br />
Season<br />
To avoid disappointment<br />
please ensure you book<br />
where necessary.<br />
19 Nov – 24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
ST JOHN’S SHOPPING CENTRE<br />
PH1 5UB<br />
Visit Santa to tell him which gift you would like to<br />
receive. Check website for opening times. T: 01738<br />
629380 www.stjshopping.co.uk St John’s Shopping<br />
Centre, King Edward Street, Perth, PH1 5UB<br />
21 Nov – 24 Dec<br />
CALLENDAR HOUSE CHRISTMAS<br />
ADVENTURE<br />
CALLENDAR HOUSE FK1 1 YR<br />
Bring the whole family and meet the festive Elf<br />
and enjoy a magical Christmas journey around<br />
Callendar House. See the house decorated like<br />
never before, enjoy a warm Christmas welcome<br />
with hot drinks and Christmas baking and then<br />
explore all the hidden nooks and sparkling crannies<br />
with a special treasure hunt. Your journey will<br />
lead you to the delightful Georgian Kitchen and<br />
here there will be time for stories and Christmas<br />
activities until the very special Christmas guest<br />
arrives. Booking essential.<br />
T: 01324 503770 www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
22 Nov – 24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
DUNFERMLINE DOBBIES GARDEN<br />
CENTRE<br />
K Y11 8EX<br />
Meet Santa in his<br />
Grotto and receive a<br />
small gift from him.<br />
Booking essential.<br />
Tickets £6.99 for<br />
standard gift, £10.99<br />
for Lego gift. T:<br />
01383 842757 www.<br />
dobbies.com<br />
24 Nov<br />
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS NIGHT<br />
BROUGHTY FERRY BROOK STREET<br />
DD5 2DS<br />
A unique family community event marking<br />
the start of the festive season with live music,<br />
fairground rides, street entertainment,<br />
performances and the opportunity to meet Santa<br />
in his colourful sleigh. 6pm.<br />
www.cometobroughty.co.uk<br />
24 Nov – 24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
DUNDEE DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE<br />
DD5 4HB<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a small gift<br />
from him. Booking essential. Tickets £6.99 for<br />
standard gift, £10.99 for Lego gift. T: 01382 530333<br />
www.dobbies.com<br />
26 – 27 Nov, 1 – 24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
THE HOWGATE SHOPPING CENTRE<br />
FK1 1HG<br />
Visit Santa in his new Grotto and receive a<br />
gift. Cost £3.50 per child. Please check website<br />
for opening days. T: 01324 631985 www.<br />
howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk<br />
26 – 27 Nov, 3 – 4, 6 – 24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
STIRLING DOBBIES GARDEN<br />
CENTRE FK9 4UF<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a<br />
small gift from him. Booking essential.<br />
Tickets £6.99 for standard gift, £10.99<br />
for Lego gift. T: 01786 458860 www.<br />
dobbies.com<br />
ma<br />
Dr m<br />
D<br />
ram<br />
a<br />
ma<br />
an<br />
and<br />
a d<br />
dance ce<br />
The Children’s University promotes exciting learning and creative<br />
activities to children outwith school hours.<br />
Activities at The Space, Kingsway Campus include:<br />
da a<br />
ann e<br />
nc<br />
d n<br />
Youth Ballet (7+ years)<br />
Mon 17.00 -18.00<br />
Youth Tap (7+years)<br />
Mon 16.00 - 17.00<br />
Youth Contemporary (7+ years)<br />
Mon 18.00 -19.00<br />
Dee Fusion - Hip Hop Dance Theatre Community Group<br />
Tues 17.30 -18.30<br />
Parent and Child Movement Class (0 - 18 months)<br />
Sat 9.15 - 9.45<br />
Parent and Child Movement Class (18 months - 3 years)<br />
Sat 9.45 -10.30<br />
Youth Drama (5 - 9 years)<br />
Sat 10.00 -10.45<br />
Parent and Child Movement Class (3 - 5 years)<br />
Sat 10.45 -11.30<br />
Youth Drama (10 - 14 years)<br />
Sat 11.00 -12.00<br />
Creative Dance (5 - 7 years)<br />
Sat 11.30 -12.30<br />
Hip Hop and Break Dance level 1 (7+ years)<br />
Sat 11.00 -13.00<br />
Hip Hop and Break Dance level 2 (7+ years)<br />
Sat 10.00 -11.00<br />
All classes are open to boys and girls.<br />
Prices (per class): under 11 years old - £4; over 11 years old - £5. Payable in blocks of 6-8 weeks.<br />
Each Dundee Children’s University member will get a ‘Passport to Learning’ in which they record their<br />
participation in activities and build up credits to work towards bronze, silver and gold certificates.<br />
Bookings: Jacqueline Anderson j.m.anderson@dundeeandangus.ac.uk<br />
Enquiries/information: Lee Lappin l.lappin@dundeeandangus.ac.uk<br />
The Space, Dundee and Angus College, Old Glamis Road, Dundee, DD3 8LE<br />
16<br />
Primary Times WINTER ISSUE<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife
Leisure & Culture Dundee is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation No. SC042421<br />
26-27 Nov, 3-4, 10 -11, 17-18, 20-24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
KINROSS DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE<br />
KY13 0NQ<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a small gift<br />
from him. Booking essential. Tickets £6.99 for<br />
standard gift, £10.99 for Lego gift. T: 01577 863327<br />
www.dobbies.com<br />
26-27 Nov, 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 21-24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
DALGETY BAY DOBBIES GARDEN<br />
CENTRE KY11 9XP<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a small gift<br />
from him. Booking essential. Tickets £6.99 for<br />
standard gift, £10.99 for Lego gift. T: 01383 823841<br />
www.dobbies.com<br />
26-27 Nov, 3-5, 8-24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
PERTH DOBBIES GARDEN CENTRE<br />
PH1 3JJ<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto and receive a small gift<br />
from him. Booking essential. Tickets £6.99 for<br />
standard gift, £10.99 for Lego gift. T: 01738 638555<br />
www.dobbies.com<br />
27 Nov, 4, 12, 18 Dec<br />
SANTA GROTTO SENSORY OPENING<br />
THE HOWGATE SHOPPING CENTRE<br />
FK1 1HG<br />
Santa is looking forward to greeting children with<br />
special needs between 11am-12pm on a private<br />
visit. The centre and retails will turn the music<br />
down low and only use the tannoy for emergencies<br />
throughout the day. Booking essential. T: 01324<br />
631985 www.howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk<br />
3 Dec<br />
SANTA’S COMING TO CRAIGTOUN<br />
CRAIGTOUN COUNTRY PARK KY16 8NX<br />
Come and visit Santa in his Grotto. From 1pm.<br />
www.friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk<br />
FESTIVE FUN DAY<br />
ABERFELDY PH15 2DD<br />
Switching on of the festive lights and Christmas<br />
Market held in the town square. Santa’s procession<br />
will make its way up through the town to the<br />
square, Santa’s sleigh will be led by a local pipe<br />
band. www.highlandperthshire.org<br />
3-4 Dec<br />
SANTA WEEKEND<br />
HOUSE OF DUN DD10 9LG<br />
The children will be able to write their letters to<br />
Santa and then personally deliver them to the<br />
great man; once they have met him they will<br />
receive a small gift from the elves. After visiting<br />
Santa they can follow the fairy trail through the<br />
house to the basement where there is a crafty<br />
corner with lots to make and do. Finally help Santa<br />
find his missing reindeer that have run away and<br />
solve the riddle of Santa’s favourite reindeer.<br />
11am-4pm. Cost £6 per child, £1 per adult. T:<br />
01674 810264 www.nts.org.uk<br />
CHRISTMAS FAIR<br />
HILL OF TARVIT MANSION KY15 5PB<br />
There’ll be something for everyone at this year’s<br />
Christmas Fair. With a great range of festive gifts<br />
and items from our craft stallholders, plus some<br />
tasty treats in the Conservatory Tearoom, and a<br />
host of activities, events and games for children.<br />
There will even be a visit from Father Christmas<br />
too! 11am-4pm. Cost £3.50 adults, £3 xchildren. T:<br />
01334 653127 www.nts.org.uk<br />
3-4, 10-11 , 17-18, 22-23 Dec<br />
SANTA STEAM TRAINS<br />
BO’NESS & KINNEIL RAILWAY EH51<br />
9AQ<br />
Decorated carriages and seasonal songs create<br />
a festive atmosphere for a visit from Santa, who<br />
will present a gift to each child aboard. Tickets<br />
£13. Booking essential. T: 01506 822298 www.<br />
srps.org.uk<br />
10 Dec<br />
BOOGIE BUDDIES MASCOT PARTIES<br />
DUNFERMLINE HIGH SCHOOL KY11<br />
3BQ<br />
A fun filled magical Christmas party. There will<br />
be singing, dancing, games and prizes plus<br />
appearances by some favourite characters like<br />
Elsa, Olaf, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and Doc<br />
McStuffins. Special guests Santa and his Elves!<br />
Doors open 2.30pm and the show starts at 3pm.<br />
Suitable for ages 3+. Cost £6 per ticket. Onine<br />
booking essential. www.tickettailor.com<br />
SANTA DAY<br />
DUNKELD PH8 0AW<br />
Santa and his Reindeer leave the Birnam Hotel at<br />
1pm and come over the bridge into Dunkeld and<br />
arrive at Santa’s Grotto at Drill Hall. Children from<br />
local groups, along with locals and visitors will<br />
join the parade. Children can visit Santa’s Grotto<br />
between 1.30-4pm to meet the jolly chap! The<br />
Christmas Market will take place from 11am-4pm.<br />
www.highlandperthshire.org<br />
ELFTASTIC FUN - PLAYTIME WITH<br />
SANTA’S LITTLE ELVES<br />
SCONE PALACE PH2 6BD<br />
Come and join Santa and his little elves for two<br />
hours of elftastic playtime with songs, games,<br />
crafts, pin the red nose on Rudolph, glitter tattoos<br />
and so much more...... Santa will be paying a<br />
special visit too with a Christmas gift for every<br />
child. Sessions at 10am-12pm & 1-3pm. Cost £15<br />
per child. Booking essential. T: 01738 552300<br />
www.scone-palace.co.uk<br />
10-11, 17-18, 24 Dec<br />
SANTA SPECIALS<br />
CALEDONIAN RAILWAY DD9 7AF<br />
The Santa Specials train starts at Brechin Station<br />
with the total journey taking about one hour<br />
(an eight mile round trip) including a ten minute<br />
stopover at Bridge of Dun Station. Santa will visit<br />
each carriage on the train with a present for every<br />
child, adults will also receive a gift from the train<br />
staff. Booking essential. T: 0333 666 3366 www.<br />
caledonianrailway.com<br />
17-28, 23-24 Dec<br />
SANTA’S GROTTO<br />
FORBES OF KINGENNIE COUNTRY<br />
RESORT DD5 3RD<br />
Meet Santa in his Grotto, along with Dancer,<br />
Prancer and Rudolph his little piglet helpers and<br />
get a present. Booking essential. Cost £6 per child.<br />
T: 01382 350777 www.forbesofkingennie.co.uk<br />
Go Wild with Santa this December<br />
at Camperdown Wildlife Centre<br />
Join us for a Night-time Adventure,<br />
meet Santa in his Grotto<br />
and let our magical lighting<br />
guide the way as you see<br />
our animals like never before.<br />
With face painting, arts & crafts,<br />
street performers and our new<br />
‘elfie zone, there’s plenty to keep<br />
you entertained on your<br />
<strong>Winter</strong>’s Night Adventure.<br />
Fri 2 to Sun 4 Dec &<br />
Fri 9 to Sun 11 Dec &<br />
Fri 16 to Sun 18 Dec <strong>2016</strong><br />
3pm - 7.30pm (last entry 6pm)<br />
Admission<br />
Adult £5, Child £4, Family (2 adults & up to 3 children) £17<br />
Admission to Santa’s Grotto included in normal entrance fee<br />
camperdown wildlife centre<br />
camperdown country park coupar angus road dundee dd2 4tf<br />
01382 431811 info@camperdownwildlifecentre.com<br />
www.camperdownwildlifecentre.com<br />
Schools across Scotland gear up<br />
for Red Nose Day<br />
Comic Relief is always blown away by the fantastic fundraising efforts of our Scottish school<br />
supporters! Next Red Nose Day, which will take place on Friday 24th March 2017, looks set<br />
to be no exception.<br />
This year’s Free Primary School Fundraising Pack is packed with original ideas for fundraising,<br />
as well as balloons, stickers and posters. Order yours today at rednoseday.com/schools<br />
The money raised by schools will be used to help fund incredible projects that tackle poverty<br />
and injustice across Africa and the UK. So start thinking now about what your school can do<br />
for Red Nose Day 2017!<br />
Looking for inspiration?<br />
Megan, Gemma, Grace, Jenny and Jenna from<br />
Bellyeoman Primary School in Dunfermline<br />
organised a fantastic bake sale for Red Nose<br />
Day 2015. Overall, the school raised a brilliant<br />
£934.21 by selling cakes, Red Noses and asking for<br />
donations to wear jammies for the day.<br />
Red Nose Day 2015 was one of the highlights of<br />
the school year at Muir Street Primary School in<br />
Motherwell. Teachers and children organised a<br />
coffee afternoon and a funny face photo booth, as<br />
well as a fun day that included red costumes and<br />
noses, playing splat the teacher, games, arts and<br />
crafts, obstacle courses and competitions. Overall,<br />
the school raised an amazing £1592!<br />
24th March<br />
2017<br />
WHERE’S SANTA?<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 17
BOX OFFICE<br />
BoxOffice<br />
Your family theatre & panto guide...<br />
ADAM SMITH THEATRE KY1 1ET<br />
Box Office: 01592 583302<br />
www.onfife.com<br />
10 Dec – 7 Jan<br />
Cinderella<br />
Cinderella dreams of escaping the life she has<br />
fallen into. With the arrival of invitations to<br />
Prince Charming’s grand ball, it seems she may<br />
get her wish. However, the Ugliest Sisters in<br />
pantoland are determined to keep her as their<br />
servant, but with the help of Cinderella’s Fairy<br />
Godmother and a generous helping of panto<br />
magic perhaps her dreams will come true after<br />
all?<br />
BIRNAM ARTS CENTRE PH8 0DS<br />
Box Office: 01350 727674<br />
www.birnamarts.com<br />
10 Dec<br />
Rapunzel<br />
Narrated by a wonderful frog, this fun<br />
adaptation has all the elements of a traditional<br />
tale…the witch, the beautiful girl locked in a<br />
tall tower and, of course, the handsome prince<br />
who attempts to save Rapunzel. With specially<br />
recorded music and beautifully made rod<br />
puppets, this is a show that will be adored by<br />
children and adults alike.<br />
CAIRD HALL DD1 3BB<br />
Box Office: 01382 434451<br />
www.cairdhall.co.uk<br />
16 Dec<br />
RSNO Christmas Concert:<br />
The Snowman<br />
The Snowman will take you along on his magical<br />
journey through the winter sky. Enjoy this<br />
special showing of the festive classic on the<br />
large screen, accompanied by the RSNO and<br />
narrated by a special guest star.<br />
CARNEGIE HALL KY12 7JA<br />
Box Office: 01383 602302<br />
www.onfife.com<br />
6 – 24 Dec<br />
Moon Dog and the<br />
Christmas Star<br />
Moon Dog is a magical tale about making a new<br />
friend from a distant place. Combining puppetry,<br />
clowning and a beautiful original score, Moon<br />
Dog is sure to be the perfect Christmas treat for<br />
young children everywhere.<br />
DUNDEE REP THEATRE DD1 1PB<br />
Box Office: 01382 223530<br />
www.dundeerep.co.uk<br />
24 Nov – 31 Dec<br />
George’s Marvellous Medicine<br />
George’s nasty old grandma needs teaching a<br />
lesson. George decides the best remedy for her<br />
grumpiness is a special home-made medicine.<br />
But Grandma gets more than she bargained for!<br />
12 – 23 Dec<br />
The Shape of Things<br />
The world all around us is made up of wonderful<br />
shapes. But sometimes there are so many shapes<br />
that some shapes get lost. This is a story of two<br />
shapes, Cubert and Triantán, and the adventures<br />
they have finding their way back to each other.<br />
16 – 24 Dec<br />
Robin<br />
This Christmas, Robin (not so reliant) will be<br />
getting his feathers in a twist, but we guarantee<br />
first class fun and seasonal cheer will be<br />
delivered (on time)!<br />
FALKIRK TOWN HALL FK1 5RS<br />
Box Office: 01324 506850<br />
www.falkirkcommunitytrust.org<br />
25 Nov<br />
The Shape of Things<br />
The world all around us is made up of wonderful<br />
shapes. But sometimes there are so many shapes<br />
that some shapes get lost. This is a story of two<br />
shapes, Cubert and Triantán, and the adventures<br />
they have finding their way back to each other.<br />
2 – 10 Dec<br />
Sleeping Beauty<br />
The talented members of Falkirk Youth Theatre<br />
bring a brand new production of ‘Sleeping<br />
Beauty’ to the stage this winter.<br />
18 Dec<br />
A Bairns Christmas<br />
Falkirk Caledonia Choir, Falkirk Festival Chorus<br />
and Falkirk Tryst Orchestra join together for<br />
their 34th annual Christmas Concert under the<br />
direction of Robert Tait. Carols old and new,<br />
carols for all to join in and orchestral pieces<br />
make up the programme with a special guest<br />
artist. An evening of Christmas entertainment<br />
not to be missed.<br />
0231512<br />
TICKET<br />
0231513<br />
TICKET<br />
GARDYNE THEATRE DD5 1NY<br />
Box Office: 01382 434940<br />
www.dundeebox.co.uk<br />
23 – 26 Nov<br />
Scrooge<br />
Miserly, mean-spirited Ebeneezer Scrooge<br />
is visited by three spirits who take him on a<br />
journey of discovery and self-redemption.<br />
Performed by Broughty Ferry Amateur Operatic<br />
Society.<br />
30 Nov – 4 Dec<br />
Peter Pan<br />
Join us on a journey with Nanny, Wendy, Michael<br />
and John. Along the way we’ll meet Tinker<br />
Bell, Tiger Lily and her Tribe, the Lost Boys and<br />
Mermaids. Not forgetting a band of pirates led<br />
by the evil Captain Hook seeking revenge on<br />
Peter Pan for the loss of his hand…<br />
LOCHGELLY CENTRE KY5 9RD<br />
Box Office: 01592 583303<br />
www.onfife.com<br />
7 – 10 Dec<br />
Sleeping Beauty<br />
A traditional pantomime performed by<br />
Cowdenbeath Community Theatre.<br />
MACROBERT THEATRE FK9 4LA<br />
Box Office: 01786 466666<br />
www.macrobert.org<br />
23 Nov – 31 Dec<br />
Weans in the Wood<br />
Hans No Solo is failing badly at Magic School.<br />
Headmistress Merlina has tried everything but<br />
it looks really unlikely he’s going to pass those<br />
exams. And then - horror of horrors - forest<br />
hooligan and ASBO-queen Little Red Riding<br />
Hood unwittingly robs the pantosphere of all<br />
good magic, leaving the wicked Sherffina of<br />
Nottingham to run riot with her band of evil<br />
minions. Will Hans save the pantosphere? Will<br />
Gretel ever get a joke to tell and not just be<br />
relegated to simpering Disney-esque princess?<br />
Will Merlina catch the eye of someone in the<br />
audience and get her happy ever after? There’s<br />
only one way to find out!<br />
29 Nov – 24 Dec<br />
How to be a Christmas Tree<br />
Welcome to the Tall and True Tree Nursery where<br />
young trees learn to grow! This is where the<br />
best little trees grow into big fine pine trees,<br />
with strong roots, trunks, branches, needles<br />
and a pointy bit at the top. But one tree hopes<br />
for a more exciting life beyond the nursery…<br />
Will it fulfil its destiny and become a magical<br />
Christmas tree? A fun and interactive show filled<br />
with music and plenty of jokes.<br />
0231512<br />
0231513<br />
TICKET<br />
TICKET<br />
8 – 15 Dec<br />
The Nutcracker<br />
It is Christmas Eve and Drosselmeyer the<br />
magician sweeps young Clara away on a fantasy<br />
adventure in which time is suspended, the<br />
family living room becomes a great battlefield,<br />
and a magical journey takes them through the<br />
Land of Snow to the Kingdom of Sweets.<br />
20 – 21 Jan<br />
Swan Lake<br />
Using Tchaikovsky’s stirring score and a moving<br />
adaptation of the original choreography, the<br />
dancers of Ballet West will tell the story of the<br />
love of a young man for the cursed Odette, who<br />
is destined to spend her life as a swan, unless<br />
true love can release her from the spell of the<br />
evil Von Rothbart.<br />
MICHAEL WOODS SPORTS AND<br />
LEISURE CENTRE KY6 2RD<br />
Box Office: 01592 583305<br />
www.fifeleisure.org.uk<br />
3 Dec<br />
The Snow Queen<br />
Quantum Theatre present their unique take on<br />
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale.<br />
PERTH CONCERT HALL PH1 5HZ<br />
Box Office: 01738 621031<br />
www.horsecross.co.uk<br />
24 – 25 Nov<br />
The Nutcracker<br />
The ultimate fairy-tale where goodness and<br />
beauty triumph, The Nutcracker is full of familiar<br />
music such as Waltz of the Flowers and Dance<br />
of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Snow flurries, sweets,<br />
princes, magic, love, victories and defeats, and<br />
Tchaikovsky’s rousing score come together to<br />
create a truly captivating piece of theatre.<br />
10 – 26 Dec<br />
Dick McWhittington<br />
Dick McWhittington is on his way to London to<br />
seek fame and fortune and doesn’t know that<br />
it is his destiny to save the city and become<br />
Provost. It’s up to Perth’s very own fairy<br />
godmother, the Fairy Maid of Perth, to<br />
bring him back. But Dick won’t<br />
be alone. He’ll stand side by<br />
side against Queen Rat with his<br />
very own ratcatcher - Kitty<br />
Cat - for a final showdown<br />
in the desert Kingdom of the great<br />
Sultan Vinegar.<br />
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30 – 31 Dec<br />
Christmas Wonderland<br />
The FUNBOX gang are on top of the world -<br />
literally, as their latest seasonal spectacular<br />
takes them to the North Pole. They’re wrapped<br />
up cosy and warm for an Arctic adventure<br />
packed with songs, silliness and snow. The<br />
Funbox is locked though and the keys are<br />
missing. Can you help us find them?<br />
PITLOCHRY FESTIVAL THEATRE<br />
PH16 5DR<br />
Box Office: 01796 484 626<br />
www.pitlochryfestivaltheatre.com<br />
2 – 23 Dec<br />
Scrooge! The Musical<br />
It is Christmas Eve, 1843: the cruel money-lender<br />
Ebenezer Scrooge is confronted by the ghost of<br />
his former partner, Jacob Marley, who warns<br />
Scrooge that he faces damnation unless he<br />
mends his ways. Can Scrooge be redeemed? All<br />
will be decided by the three spirits who visit him<br />
in the course of the night.<br />
ROTHES HALLS KY7 5NX<br />
Box Office: 01592 611101<br />
www.onfife.com<br />
1 – 4 Dec<br />
Christmas Wonderland<br />
The FUNBOX gang are on top of the world -<br />
literally, as their latest seasonal spectacular<br />
takes them to the North Pole. They’re wrapped<br />
up cosy and warm for an Arctic adventure<br />
packed with songs, silliness and snow. The<br />
Funbox is locked though and the keys are<br />
missing. Can you help us find them?<br />
14 – 17 Dec<br />
Snow White<br />
The much-loved tale with a beautiful princess,<br />
a handsome prince, a wicked queen, bungling<br />
baddies, dotty dodderers, a magic mirror, a<br />
poisoned apple and two helpful fairies, but only<br />
three instead of seven – well, you know who.<br />
STIRLING CASTLE FK8 1EJ<br />
Box Office: 01786 450 000<br />
www.stirlingcastle.gov.uk<br />
22 – 23 Dec<br />
A Christmas Carol<br />
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents a<br />
fun and exciting adaptation of Dickens’ classic<br />
Christmas tale. Join the many memorable<br />
characters as Scrooge’s frozen heart begins<br />
to melt and he finally embraces the festive spirit.<br />
THE ALBERT HALLS FK8 2QL<br />
Box Office: 01786 473544<br />
www.alberthalls.stirling.gov.uk<br />
29 – 30 Dec<br />
Christmas Wonderland<br />
The FUNBOX gang are on top of the world -<br />
literally, as their latest seasonal spectacular<br />
takes them to the North Pole. They’re wrapped<br />
up cosy and warm for an Arctic adventure<br />
packed with songs, silliness and snow. The<br />
Funbox is locked though and the keys are<br />
missing. Can you help us find them?<br />
THE ALHAMBRA THEATRE<br />
KY12 7NX<br />
Box Office: 01383 740384<br />
www.alhambradunfermline.com<br />
9 Nov – 29 Dec<br />
Mother McGoose<br />
Annual traditional pantomime featuring an all<br />
star cast of stage and screen, dazzling costumes<br />
and spectacular sets & special effects.<br />
THE BYRE THEATRE KY16 9LA<br />
Box Office: 01334 475000<br />
www.byretheatre.com<br />
1 – 31 Dec<br />
Aladdin<br />
What would you wish for? Traditional family<br />
pantomime.<br />
WEBSTER MEMORIAL THEATRE<br />
DD11 1AW<br />
Box Office: 01241 435800<br />
www.webstertheatre.co.uk<br />
2 – 24 Dec<br />
Sinbad<br />
Join Sinbad on his swashbuckling adventures as<br />
he voyages over the sea searching for fortune,<br />
and finding romance with a runaway Princess.<br />
With nail-biting drama, dastardly pirates,<br />
hidden treasure and Sinbad’s interfering<br />
Mammy getting in the way, it promises to be<br />
filled with excitement and laughter.<br />
WHITEHALL THEATRE DD1 5JA<br />
Box Office: 01382 434940<br />
www.whitehalltheatre.com<br />
16 – 21 Dec<br />
Cinderella<br />
Performance of the much loved family classic.<br />
Please check<br />
details of<br />
show times<br />
with each<br />
venue before<br />
booking, and<br />
have a great<br />
time!<br />
BOX OFFICE<br />
Win<br />
(2 adults & 2 children)<br />
for the final night<br />
performance of the<br />
Pantomime on<br />
29th December!<br />
For your chance to win just<br />
answer this easy question:<br />
Which actor is playing<br />
the Dame in this year’s<br />
Alhambra panto?<br />
Closing date: 16th<br />
December <strong>2016</strong><br />
Mother McGoose is a brand new Scottish Pantomime , written especially for the<br />
Alhambra Theatre in Dunfermline, starring Fife’s favourite dame , Billy Mack ,<br />
alongside an all star cast of stage and screen. It will feature dazzling costumes,<br />
spectacular sets & special effects and runs from 9-29th December <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
Billy Mack commented “I am delighted to be playing Dame at the Alhambra<br />
this year. It’s a beautiful venue and there promises to be plenty of laughs and<br />
surprises for all the family!”<br />
Gayle Telfer Stevens (River City’s Caitlin) returns as the Good Fairy<br />
and said” It’s exciting to be working again with Scotland’s best<br />
panto cast .”<br />
They welcome Tyler Collins , Hen in<br />
the touring version of ‘The Broons’<br />
and returning from Aladdin 2015<br />
is Jennie Evans-Small (Princess<br />
Jasmine) and Cameron Fulton<br />
(Wishy Washy).<br />
Mother McGoose is written<br />
especially for the Theatre and set<br />
in old Dunfermline town and promises<br />
to have magic, laughter, thrills and spills,<br />
marvellous music and of course, a dash of<br />
romance too !<br />
Last year’s panto received 5 star<br />
reviews from press and audience alike.<br />
Alhambra is now Scotland’s fifth<br />
largest pantomime , rivalling the<br />
Cities for production values<br />
and definitely Fife’s major<br />
pantomime!<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 19
At the Alhambra<br />
Theatre Stage &<br />
Dance School<br />
our biggest focus is not just<br />
how well a student can sing<br />
a song or recite Shakespeare.<br />
Developing their creative<br />
skills and talents is integral<br />
to our teaching, however what lies<br />
at the heart of everything we do is to make them<br />
better young individuals. Through team work in<br />
Drama, to the focus in singing to the stamina in<br />
dance- these skills are not just going to make them<br />
better performers, but better young people too.<br />
We are always developing students’ confidence,<br />
social skills, and maturity. We offer challenges,<br />
invoke new ways of solving problems, all whilst<br />
having fun.<br />
What are you<br />
waiting for? Sign<br />
up for a two<br />
week trial on any<br />
of our classes!<br />
CLOSING DATE<br />
21st December <strong>2016</strong><br />
KIRKCALDY<br />
UNIT 1, MITCHELSTON IND ESTATE<br />
FIFE, KY1 3NJ<br />
Win!<br />
A Thistle Print<br />
of an original painting<br />
By Po<br />
XMAS<br />
ARRIVE & DRIVE BUY 1 GET 1 HALF PRICE<br />
Offer valid in November & December <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
Please show this advert on arrival to claim the offer.<br />
www.kartstart.com | info@kartstart.com | 01592 650 200<br />
For a chance to win, answer this question:<br />
How many years, by Jan 2017,<br />
has For Art Sake<br />
been at<br />
10 Angus Road, Scone?<br />
Closing date: 20th Dec <strong>2016</strong><br />
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competitions<br />
Have a look at all the fabulous prizes on offer and try your hand at winning some - remember, you<br />
have to be in it to win it! You can enter all our competitions online by visiting our website www.<br />
primarytimes.net/fife/competitions OR our Facebook page,<br />
www.facebook.com/primarytimesfife. Good luck!<br />
8<br />
Leisure & Culture Dundee have an amazing prize up for grabs with a chance to win an<br />
“Up Close Animal Experience”<br />
with a choice of animals including our Lemurs and Meerkats.<br />
The lucky winner will get the chance to go behind the scenes of the animal enclosure and<br />
come face to face with the animals whilst feeding them. One of our expert Keepers will also<br />
be on hand to guide you through this amazing experience so get your questions ready and<br />
test their knowledge. Entrance to the rest of the Wildlife Centre is included for the day and<br />
you will also receive a free drink and cake in Camperdown Café.<br />
Don’t worry if you don’t win the main prize as we also have 2 runners up prizes giving you<br />
the chance to win a Free Family Pass for up to 5 people (2 adults and 3 children).<br />
All you need to do is answer this simple question:<br />
What two colours are on a Ring Tailed Lemur’s Tail?<br />
Win<br />
£50 Thistles<br />
Gift Card<br />
For your chance to win a £50 gift<br />
card that can be used in over 80<br />
stores, just name 3 stores at our<br />
shopping centre.<br />
Closing Date 20th Jan 2017<br />
Closing Date for entries is 31st December <strong>2016</strong>.<br />
Entrants must be aged 8 years or over.<br />
Terms and Conditions apply.<br />
Win<br />
a £50 Howgate Gift Card!<br />
Win<br />
a £30 voucher<br />
for The Works<br />
The Howgate Shopping Centre has everything you need for<br />
Christmas and this year we have a new Santa’s Grotto and festive<br />
decorations to add sparkle to your visit.<br />
For your chance to win a £50 Howgate Gift Card,<br />
tell us what day of the week Christmas Day falls on this year?<br />
Closing date Sun 11th December<br />
*the gift card is non-refundable and cannot be exchanged for cash<br />
For information visit www.howgateshoppingcentre.co.uk<br />
or on Facebook @howgateshopping<br />
For your chance to win just answer this<br />
easy question:<br />
In which city can you find St John’s<br />
Shopping Centre?<br />
Closing date: 20th December <strong>2016</strong><br />
Enter online at www.primarytimes.net/Fife/competitions<br />
or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/primarytimesfife<br />
www.primarytimes.net/fife WINTER ISSUE Primary Times 21
N<br />
ew Year is a time that<br />
is celebrated by all regardless<br />
of the nationality and cultural<br />
background. Most people believe that the<br />
New Year gives them an opportunity to put<br />
bad times behind them and look forward<br />
to the coming year and its promises of<br />
love, wealth and good times. New Year<br />
is considered the best time to make<br />
promises and resolutions - in Scotland we<br />
mostly use it as an excuse to hold a party!<br />
In Scotland Christmas was not celebrated<br />
as a festival until the 1950s, instead<br />
many Scots worked over Christmas and<br />
celebrated their winter solstice holiday<br />
at New Year when family and friends<br />
would gather for a party and to exchange<br />
presents, which came to be known as<br />
hogmanays.<br />
Most of our Hogmanay traditions stem<br />
from the belief that you have to have your<br />
house in order before midnight on the<br />
31st December: the underlying message<br />
being to clear out the remains of the old<br />
year, have a clean break and welcome in a<br />
young, New Year on a happy note.<br />
The most well know traditions are still<br />
followed today:<br />
FIRST FOOTING<br />
First Footing is still common across<br />
Scotland. Traditionally it is believed that<br />
your new year will be a prosperous one<br />
if, at the stroke of midnight, a “tall, dark<br />
stranger” appears at your door with a lump<br />
of coal for the fire, or a cake or coin. In<br />
exchange he will be offered food, wine or<br />
a wee dram of whisky. The dark stranger<br />
is believed to be a throwback to Viking<br />
times when a big blonde stranger arriving<br />
on your door step with a big axe meant<br />
big trouble, and probably not a very happy<br />
New Year!<br />
REDDING<br />
Redding is essentially the equivalent of<br />
a spring clean - done on New Year’s Eve.<br />
Households must be spick and span by<br />
the time the bells arrive, so that the New<br />
Year can be welcomed with a clean slate<br />
(or house, in this case). In generations<br />
gone by, all fires were cleared of ashes<br />
so that new ones could be started. It is<br />
also a time to repay all outstanding debts.<br />
And so with a clean house -- both literally<br />
and figuratively -- the household could<br />
commence celebrations with a light heart<br />
and a clear conscience.<br />
LOONY DOOK<br />
For 30 years South Queensferry residents<br />
have gathered on New Year’s Day to take<br />
a dip in the ‘refreshing’ (or more likely,<br />
freezing) waters of the River Forth. Initially<br />
conceived by a small band of brave locals<br />
as a hangover cure, the Loony Dook now<br />
attracts around 1,500 Dookers with 4,000<br />
spectators cheering them on.<br />
BA’ GAME<br />
The Ba’ is a traditional street football game<br />
and is played every Christmas and New<br />
Year’s Day in Kirkwall, Orkney. The game is<br />
played in the streets of the town between<br />
the Uppies and the Doonies. The Doonies<br />
goal is the sea and The Uppies must round<br />
Mackinson’s corner at the junction of Main<br />
Street. There can be upwards of 300 men<br />
playing and the game can last several<br />
hours.<br />
FIREBALLS<br />
The firework displays and torchlight<br />
processions now enjoyed throughout<br />
many cities in Scotland are reminders<br />
of the ancient pagan parties from those<br />
Viking days of long ago. One of the most<br />
spectacular Fire ceremonies takes place<br />
in Stonehaven, just south of Aberdeen.<br />
Giant fireballs, weighing up to 20 pounds<br />
are lit and swung around on five feet long<br />
metal poles, requiring 60 men to carry<br />
them as they march up and down the<br />
High Street. The roots of this tradition is<br />
likely based on the desire to ward off evil<br />
spirits and to endow the fishing fleet with<br />
luck. The Fireball swingers each make<br />
their own fireballs by filling wire baskets<br />
with a mixture of flammable materials.<br />
Participants keep their recipes secret but<br />
the object is to create a fireball that will<br />
stay lit and burn brightly for a long time.<br />
AULD LANG SYNE<br />
Auld Lang Syne is one of Scotland’s<br />
gifts to the world, recalling the love and<br />
kindness of days gone by. The poem,<br />
written by Robert Burns, is recognised all<br />
over the world and is sung at gatherings<br />
from Edinburgh to New York’s Times<br />
Square.<br />
SOME OF THE MORE SPECTACULAR<br />
CELEBRATIONS TAKING PLACE THIS YEAR<br />
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is the biggest<br />
New Year’s Eve party in the world. It<br />
lasts an impressive 3 days and consists<br />
of a Torchlight Procession, Street Party,<br />
Concert in the Garden and Old Town<br />
Ceilidh accompanied by hourly fireworks<br />
displays from 9pm. The grand finale is the<br />
famous Midnight Moment which lights up<br />
the skies above the capital from Edinburgh<br />
Castle and Calton Hill.<br />
Stirling Hogmanay – A Carnival of Light<br />
and Sound with a parade along King<br />
Street. Kings Park will provide 2 hours of<br />
free entertainment and at the stroke of<br />
midnight expect spectacular fireworks.<br />
The Stonehaven Fireballs - At the stroke<br />
of midnight on December 31 a crowd of<br />
strong Scots, most in kilts, light up the high<br />
street of Stonehaven by whirling balls of<br />
flame and sending showers of sparks into<br />
the watching crowd.<br />
The Comrie Flambeaux Procession<br />
- At midnight eight flambeaux, or fiery<br />
torches, begin their procession around the<br />
Perthshire village of Comrie, before being<br />
ceremoniously thrown in the River Earn.<br />
The Biggar Bonfire – this Borders town<br />
event dates back to the pagan times when<br />
fire was worshipped and believed to ward<br />
off evil spirits for the New Year. Even<br />
during the wars the tradition was kept alive<br />
by a group who burned a candle in a tin at<br />
the bonfire site, so as not to attract enemy<br />
bombers. The bonfire is lit at 9.30pm and<br />
you can watch the event live by webcam.<br />
This bonfire is one of the biggest you will<br />
see – one year it burned for an impressive<br />
5 days!<br />
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